Politics & Governance / Law & Institutions / International Law & Treaties

International Law’s Hidden Power: Who Gets to Define a Group?

Definitionen und Anerkennung substaatlicher Gruppen im Völkerrecht

Philipp Socha

This video dives into Philipp Socha’s groundbreaking 2017 book, *Definitionen und Anerkennung substaatlicher Gruppen im Völkerrecht*, which reveals a shocking truth: international law has no universal definition for minorities, indigenous peoples, or local communities. Instead, it’s all about recognition—who gets to decide who counts? We’ll explore the power struggle behind these labels, from the failures of abstract definitions to the rise of self-identification and state-controlled acknowledgment. You’ll learn why recognition is a political act, how it shapes rights to land and culture, and what it means for groups fighting for justice. This isn’t just theory—it’s the real battle for legal existence. Watch to understand the hidden dynamics that determine who gets protected and who gets left out.