Self-determination
Letters[edit]
- https://bahai-library.com/uhj_turning_point_nations#IIIA2 (On determining borders)
Self-determination finds for Bahá'ís a proper expression and resolution within context of the oneness of mankind (but should avoid expression by Bahá'ís in political forms)[edit]
"With the coming of Bahá’u’lláh and the emphasis that His Revelation gives to the oneness of mankind, it is inevitable that peoples in all parts of the world who once seemed dormant or who have suffered discrimination would rise to assert their place in society. As with so many fundamental social issues, those concerning "indigenous rights" and "self-determination" find, for Bahá’ís, their proper expression and resolution within the context of the principle of the oneness of mankind. However, as is often the case, such issues are expressed in political forms which are unacceptable to Bahá’ís, who conscientiously avoid partisanship, subversion, and the corrupt attitudes and involvements associated with politics. At the same time, it is recognized that important issues of society fall within the province of government and perforce engage political processes currently in practice. Increasingly, as the Faith emerges from obscurity the Bahá’í community will find itself compelled to assist in finding solutions to the social problems afflicting humanity; it will have to be wise in its actions to avoid the pitfalls of politics."
- (On behalf of the Universal House of Justice, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Mariana Islands, Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1986-2001, sec. 46, [par. https://bahai-library.com/uhj_messages_1986_2001#46.2 2])
Historical[edit]
Post-war theory of self-determination reinforced nationalism to lead toward high tariffs[edit]
"That a narrow and brutal nationalism, which the post-war theory of self-determination has served to reinforce, has been chiefly responsible for the policy of high and prohibitive tariffs, so injurious to the healthy flow of international trade and to the mechanism of international finance, is a fact which few would venture to dispute."
'Abdu'l-Bahá may have had in mind the rise of self-determination as dominant feature at century's end giving substance to "unity in freedom"[edit]
"Using the familiar metaphor of "candles", 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote to Mrs. Whyte [wife of the former Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland]:
"O honored lady!... Behold how its [unity's] light is now dawning upon the world's darkened horizon...The third candle is unity in freedom which will surely come to pass...
"Unity in freedom" has today, of course, become a universal aspiration of the Earth's inhabitants. Among the chief developments giving substance to it, the Master may well have had in mind the dramatic extinction of colonialism and the consequent rise of self-determination as a dominant feature of national identity at century's end.
- (Century of Light, pp. 127-128, 129)
