One of the fundamental objectives that has guided international society during the last twenty to twenty-five years has been the quest for self-determination for all peoples. For many former colonies, the principle of self-determination has already been fulfilled through the acquisition of national independence. For others, self-determination has been delayed, due in large part, to the balance of conflicting forces that have prevailed within international society during this same period of time. But the present interaction of these political and economic forces and their juridical effects at the international level have brought to the surface new expectations for those who still struggle to free themselves from colonialism.