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Abstract
The quest for self-determination through secession is activated by various groups in the contemporary scene guided by claims of speaking a certain language, having similar values and having a unique historical past. There is a growing support for human rights and its extension to the right to self-determination as a principle in International law. States on the other hand justify their opposition by arguing for the primacy of territorial integrity. The International systems position shows a basic nation-state bias aimed at safeguarding and maintaining international boundaries and for international peace and security. Federalism is seen as a viable solution to secessionist threats by accommodating the divergent aspirations of multi-cultural federal subunits by promoting some degree of autonomous self-government.