The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the need to re-think the principle of self-determination by establishing that an undesirable level of uncertainty exists regarding the usage of the term, and to show that a major cause of the confusion is due to the inadequacy of conventional approaches. These objectives will be achieved by identifying and evaluating conflicting approaches toward the meaning of self-determination, proposing an explanation for why the debate has evolved and suggesting which approach best serves the needs of the international community
