The Right to Self-determination and the Principle of Territorial Integrity of States: In Search of Reconciliation. From Kosovo to Crimea

International law is a process that changes over the years with the international environment. Since the law is changed, certain principles have become soft, and some from year to year more and more strong and steadfast. Territorial integrity and self-determination are well-known principles of international law and are derived from the same documents of international law. Both principles are closely related to each other and cannot be disentangled. In addition, the meaning of these principles and relationship between them continue to form the subject of debate. Territorial integrity is the right of the states to protect their own territory, the right to self determination is the right of people to freedom. The purpose of this thesis is to analyse the relationship between the principle of self determination of the people and the principle of territorial integrity of states. Is there normative conflict between them? This thesis will be based on the use of both primary and secondary sources. Analysis of documents of international law is essential for the case. The Case of Kosovo and Case of Crimea are used as tools, to show that any matter relating to both principles must be examined individually. In case of Kosovo the right to self-determination may be used to justify Kosovo secession from Serbia, because of special circumstances. Consequently it will be concluded that Crimea cannot base its claim to statehood in a right to self determination. Keywords: International Law, Territorial Integrity, Self-Determination, Kosovo, Crimea