Independence Movements and Their Aftermath: Self-Determination and the Struggle for Success
The success of an independence movement is never preordained. Not only is independence itself an improbable endeavor in most cases, but the quality of that independence—whether most people are better off or worse off—varies considerably. Elements outside the movement’s control, including historical context, Great Power actors, or unpredictable events, are often the most important factors in determining its success.
But what determines better outcomes and worse ones? Regional experts explore this question in a new book, Independence Movements and Their Aftermath: Self-Determination and the Struggle for Success.
In this book, we propose a new method to evaluate independence movements and their likelihood of producing vibrant and stable societies after independence. It provides a framework for policymakers, civil society actors, and their publics to improve the chances of making better lives for millions of people.