Self Determination and the People of Egypt in 2011

Abstract

If the will of the people is important in the principle of self determination, modern international law should recognize the wishes of a settled population within a sovereign state as a principle/concept of law using Egypt as precedence. The meaning of self determination within the context of decolonization, human rights and respect for state sovereignty seems to have a settled meaning in international law as will be supported by scientific research sources.However, what seems contentious is the right of the people within a sovereign state to self determination and the process through the organs of the state or by direct demands through other means like the recent revolt in Egypt.Current issues in the middle east particularly Egypt amongst other states attracts Global attention as world leaders unanimously asserted that ‘’the wish/will of the people should be respected.’’What is the will/wish of the people within a settled population constituting a state? What is the definition of the people? Is the will of the majority representative of the general will? Is the will of the people becoming an emerging concept/principle within the right to self determination in modern international law?The above questions are issues that have attracted my attention to research in the current issues with particular reference to Egypt as transition process is being negotiated. Also being a challenge to the position of how the people within a settled state can assert their right in determining their own future about how they wish to be governed.