L’autodeterminazione nei Balcani: soluzioni ad hoc per casi sui generis o consolidamento del principio nel contesto post-coloniale?

The present contribution assesses the relevance of the principle of self-determination of peoples in the context of the long process of break-up of the Former Yugoslavia. Whereas the latter process has been characterised by a significant practice of recourse to self-determination as a legitimating norm for separatist movements, including those supported by influential sectors of the international community, the chapter comes to the conclusion that such practice has not led to the normative development or better definition of self-determination as a principle of international law. Important challeges remain ahead, especially the need for further elaboration and consolidation of procedural norms that may contain the destabilising potential of self-determination, while recognising the legitimate aspirations of peoples