Reckoning with Empire: The Right to Self-Determination in Historical View

Conference Date:  November 12-13, 2021

On December 14, 1960, the UN General Assembly concluded a historic act. With a vote of 89 supporters and no dissenters, it passed UN Resolution 1514, “Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.” In doing so, it enshrined the right to self-determination and dealt a powerful blow against empire.

What was the legacy of Resolution 1514? How did it redefine the stakes of anti-colonial protest throughout the Global South and North? What conceptual difficulties and political challenges arose because of activists’ use of this right? And finally, how did activists – in deploying the language of the UN – reimagine the world and create new ties of solidarity of their very own? 

This November, Yale University will host a conference to mark and celebrate Resolution 1514’s historic passage.  Due to the pandemic, the conference will be held over Zoom. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the “Conference Registration” form. We are pleased to be able to offer a dynamic program and look forward to seeing you over Zoom.