Nation-building in multi-ethnic jurisdictions: Self-determination and minority inclusion in Israel and Quebec

This thesis explores the conundrum that stems from the competing interests of self-determination and minority inclusion in Israel and Quebec. The analysis probes this matter through: an exploration of the principle of self-determination and the role that it plays in facilitating the preservation of minority cultures a consideration of nation-building within liberal constitutionalism, and the state of nation-building and self-determination in the jurisdiction of Quebec and an examination of the interplay and limits of self-determination and majority-rule in Israel and the relevance of majority-rule to law and identity in the state. This thesis determines that self-determinate jurisdictions, provided that they are democratic, remain within the scope of liberal constitutionalism and individualism. Such jurisdictions can legitimately promote the culture they seek to preserve to the extent that any liberal jurisdiction uses its majority and its values to preserve its identity and values.