Most major crises have a variety of root causes, ignored or exacerbated by successive, usually un-democratic regimes. When they flare into conflict it is usually under the banner of secession. But recourse to the old right of self-determination does not provide a solution. Self determination is another basic principle of international affairs which needs adjustment if we are to avoid widescale territorial dismemberment, not least across the former Soviet Union. Once again, the concept of 'security of people' is central, with governments needing to be sensitive to the aspirations of ethnic or other groups that feel alienated or threatened.
Intervention has many faces.
It must not be misunderstood to mean, in every case, the despatch of troops or military invasions. This remains the last resort. We recommend strongly that the international community improve its capacity to identify, anticipate and resolve conflicts before they become armed confrontations. Our ability and willingness to act is sharply reduced once fighting breaks out. In a new framework for security, there needs to both international and bilateral assistance available to address the root causes of conflict - whether it is ethnic tension exacerbated by uneven or unjust economic development or more obvious forms of discrimination.