A defense of the moral and legal right to secede. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vaca, Moises; Artiga, Marc
• Is Part Of: Ethics & global politics. Volume 14:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Secession -- national minorities -- minority rights -- associative rights -- multiculturalism; International relations -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; Political ethics -- Periodicals; Ethics -- Periodicals; Ethics; International relations -- Moral and ethical aspects; Political ethics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 172.4
• DOI: 10.1080/16544951.2021.1913902
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1654-6369

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We defend the moral and legal right to secede in accordance with plebiscitary theory. Our paper has three main goals. First, by offering a schematic characterization of plebiscitary theory, the main arguments in its favour (and the main objections to them), we contribute to clarify the structure of this complex debate. Second, we stress the point that, if the moral right to secede is established, the resistance for its inclusion into positive law is unjustified. Finally, by addressing old and new objections to plebiscitary theory, we hope to make a compelling case for a wider recognition of secessionist rights.