Morse, Bradford,Hamid, Kazi Aktar.2009-03-232009-03-2319911991Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-01, Section: A, page: 0337.9780315935815http://hdl.handle.net/10393/7823http://dx.doi.org/10.20381/ruor-6988The thesis examines, first, the juridicial nature of the right to self-determination as a human right, evolving primarily from the nationalist feelings of a group of people. The American and French Revolutions are examples of external and internal self-determination, respectively, developing from the nationalist feelings. Second, an examination has been undertaken of the basic reasons for a claim to the right to self-determination, out of which unequal treaties and forceful annexation have been argued to be the most important. Third, it has been submitted that the rights to self-determination and to resistance are intertwined, and that the right to resistance matures when all peaceful means of restoring the rights of a group of people fail. Fourth, the whole discussion of the right to self-determination and resistance is applied to Hawaii, which was annexed by the United States through a coercive and unequal treaty in the late nineteenth century. Thus, the thesis examines the validity of the Treaty of Annexation and supports the idea that native Hawaiians have a right to self-determination under international law, and never gave up their right to remain independent. Finally, the thesis recommends some measures to be adopted in order for native Hawaiians to regain their lost independence.451 p.Law.Thesis