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Release: March 15, 1995
Contact: Patricia Coen (609/258-5764)


Conference on Self-Determination
to be Held at Princeton University's
Woodrow Wilson School

Princeton, N.J.--A day-long international conference examining the
issues of self-determination and self-administration will be held
at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and
International Affairs on Saturday, March 18, in Robertson Hall,
Dodds Auditorium, from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m..
The conference is being organized by the School's Liechtenstein
Research Program on Self-Determination, a division of the Center
of International Studies.

According to Wolfgang Danspeckgruber, director of the
Liechtenstein Research Program on Self-Determination, ``We hope
that by creating an objective, nonpolitical, unemotional framework
for discussion of the key issues surrounding self-determination
and self-administration, we can generate ideas and suggestions
that may contribute to reducing the tumultuous process of
increased autonomy and perhaps help avoid the violence that often
accompanies the self-determination process. Obviously, this is a
controversial and emotional issue, but it badly needs attention
and careful evaluation, and we hope that we might be able to find
a solution that avoids the complete severing of ties among nations
and states--one that may even satisfy a community's need for
enhanced autonomy and self-realization without causing bloodshed
or leading to the complete break-up of states.''

The Liechtenstein Research Program's activities are intended to
support and advance work in issues involving concepts of state
sovereignty, changing patterns of international law and
international political economy, and the role of international
organizations such as the United Nations and non-governmental
organizations in these areas. It was founded by a grant from His
Serene Highness Prince Hans Adam II, the Ruling Prince of
Liechtenstein, who has a strong interest in issues relating to
self-determination and self-administration and has presented his
ideas to the United Nations General Assembly on two occasions.

``Self-determination has been one of the major unsolved problems
of this century, the cause of many wars and a huge amount of human
suffering,'' said Prince Hans Adam II, who will attend the
conference. ``We should all endeavor to solve this problem for the
next century.''


The conference will consist of a panel discussion organized around
the presentation of seven research papers that analyze and discuss
the general implications of self-determination and self-
administration as well as a proposed U.N. charter on self-
determination drafted by Prince Hans Adam II and Sir Arthur Watts.
Those scheduled to present papers include:

- Henry Bienen, president of Northwestern University and former
dean of the Woodrow Wilson School;
- Emilio C rdenas, president of the United Nations Security
Council and ambassador to the U.N. from Argentina, with Maria
Fernanda Canas, first secretary of the Permanent Mission of
Argentina to the U.N.;
- Michael Doyle, professor of politics and international affairs
at the Woodrow Wilson School and former vice president of the
International Peace Academy;
- Richard Falk, professor of politics and international affairs
at the Woodrow Wilson School;
- Jeffrey Herbst, associate professor of politics and
international affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School;
- Ian Lustick, Richard L. Simon Professor in the Social Sciences
at the University of Pennsylvania;
- Sir Arthur Watts, former legal adviser, Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, England.


After the papers are presented, each will be discussed by two
expert commentators. Commentators are scheduled to include:

- Daniel Elazar, president of the Jerusalem Center for Public
Affairs and director of the Center for the Study of Federalism at
Temple University, Philadelphia;
- Gideon Gottlieb, professor, the Law School, University of
Japan;
- Ruth Lapidoth, professor of international law at the Hebrew
University, Jerusalem;
- Georgiy I. Mirsky, chief researcher, Institute of World Economy
and International Relations, Moscow;
- Ambassador Hisashi Owada, Japan's permanent representative to
the
United Nations and a distinguished international lawyer in Japan;
- Sir John Thompson, authority on the United Nations and its role
in the world;
- Ambassador Danilo T rk, permanent representative to the United
Nations from the Republic of Slovenia.


The conference proceedings will result in a publication that,
Danspeckgruber said, ``should help redefine the role of the United
Nations in the future.''

This conference is the first of two planned by the Liechtenstein
program. The second, to be held in June, will focus on the
dynamics of community formation.

The conference is open only to invited participants, journalists,
and the University Community. Only participants will be permitted
in Dodds Auditorium; Princeton students, faculty, and journalists
can watch via closed circuit television in Bowls 1 and 2,
Robertson Hall. Princeton University ID or press credentials are
required for admittance to the bowls. Journalists wishing to
cover the conference should call Patricia Coen (609) 258-5764 to
make arrangements. Television cameras and recording equipment
will not be permitted in the auditorium.

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