Affair Quote by Richard A. Falk
“The idea of self-determination was gradually given credibility by international law, and it lent strong emancipatory support to movements of liberation struggling against a West-centric world order. Latin American countries used international law creatively, both to limit the protection of foreign investment by establishing the primacy of national sovereignty in relation to natural resources, and by building support for the norm on non-intervention in internal affairs.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: International Law Forum, 1998
Self‑determination gained legal credibility, empowering liberation movements and allowing Latin American states to assert sovereignty over resources and reject foreign intervention.
In simple terms: Law gave power to nations seeking freedom and control of their own resources.
Key Takeaway
Use international law to protect national interests.
Themes
sovereignty
liberation
law
politics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- Negotiating trade agreements
- defending natural resources
- supporting independence movements
- challenging external pressures
Key Concepts
Self‑determination
non‑intervention
resource control
Questions to Reflect On
- How can weaker nations strengthen legal claims?
- What are the risks of relying solely on law for liberation?
A Different Perspective
Legal frameworks can be limited by powerful states’ political influence.
