Does self‐determination lead to autonomy?

The 20th century has been recognized by many as an era in which past empires were yielding to the forces of national self‐determination. But is self‐determination sufficient to guarantee autonomy? What are its implicit assumptions and how well are they articulated in practice? The tortuous path toward the achievement of sovereign independence and unqualified recognition by the community of nations in today's world is well illustrated by the experience encountered by the peoples of Micronesia. Of particular relevance are the circumstances experienced by the peoples of Palau and of Saipan.