Citizenship, Sovereignty and Self-Determination: UNDRIP and the Democratic State

2025 Coral Bell School Annual Lecture on Indigenous Diplomacy

This lecture frames the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples not as a threat to the liberal state, but as an instrument that develops liberalism’s essential concern for human equality, by recognising both persons and peoples. The lecture refers to Nancy Fraser’s participatory parity as a framework for thinking about how citizens may, as Maaka and Fleras propose, belong together differently. The lecture draws the idea of strong and just institutions from the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16) as a supporting concept, but also as one which demands critique of the SDGs’ broader focus on Indigenous vulnerability over agency.  From this perspective, agency makes UNDRIP more than an aspirational instrument but one that may secure self-determination through substantive Indigenous presence as distinct nations and as shareholders in the authority of the state.

About the speaker
Dominic O’Sullivan is a New Zealand Maori Professor of Political Science at Charles Sturt University and adjunct professor at Victoria University of Wellington and the Auckland University of Technology. His ninth authored book Te Tiriti, Equality and the Future of New Zealand Democracy will be published by Auckland University Press in 2026.

Agenda
5-5:30PM - Reception in Atrium
5.30-7PM - Public Lecture in HB Theatre 1


The Coral Bell School Annual Lecture on Indigenous Diplomacy is the first and only national event in Australia celebrating and exploring First Nations peoples and their contributions to international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy, and political thought. Kindly note this lecture will be recorded. If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please contact bell.marketing@anu.edu.au.


Additional information:

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TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C

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