European Conquest and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The Moral Backwardness of International Society

An examination of the rights and representation of indigenous peoples in the expansion of international society.

Paul Keal (Author)

9780521531795, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 August 2003

276 pages
22.9 x 15.3 x 1.9 cm, 0.453 kg

'European Conquest and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a valuable contribution to a debate that has persisted since Europeans made first contact with alien civilizations. Keal presents his arguments with great clarity. Contemporary Political Theory

Paul Keal examines the historical role of international law and political theory in justifying the dispossession of indigenous peoples as part of the expansion of international society. He argues that, paradoxically, law and political theory can now underpin the recovery of indigenous rights. At the heart of contemporary struggles is the core right of self-determination, and Keal argues for recognition of indigenous peoples as 'peoples' with the right of self-determination in constitutional and international law, and for adoption of the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the General Assembly. He asks whether the theory of international society can accommodate indigenous peoples and considers the political arrangements needed for states to satisfy indigenous claims. The book also questions the moral legitimacy of international society and examines notions of collective guilt and responsibility.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Bringing 'peoples' into international society
2. Wild 'men' and other tales
3. Dispossession and the purposes of international law
4. Recovering rights: land, self-determination and sovereignty
5. The political and moral legacy of conquest
6. Dealing with difference
Conclusion
Appendix
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: International law [LB], International relations [JPS], Political science & theory [JPA], Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC], Postwar 20th century history, from c 1945 to c 2000 [HBLW3], General & world history [HBG], Regional studies [GTB]