The right to national self-determination implies that nations, unlike other social groups, seek the right to govern themselves and determine their future development. In making this claim, a nation seeks recognition and acceptance by the international community of its status as a distinct political entity or state. Most often, these claims come from people who have lived together on a given land for a long period and have a sense of common identity. In some cases, such claims are linked to the desire to form a state in which the culture of the group is protected.

This idea resulted in the formation of nation-states through national liberation movements in Asia and Africa. These movements struggled against colonial domination, asserting that political independence would provide dignity and recognition to colonised people and help protect their collective interests. However, it has also posed challenges. It proved impossible to ensure that every cultural group could achieve political independence. Granting statehood to every group might lead to states too small to be economically and politically viable and multiply the problems of minorities. Consequently, movements for self-determination have led to migration of populations, border wars, and violence. The solution lies in making existing states more democratic and equal, ensuring people with different identities co-exist as partners and equal citizens.