Although the American political system is characterized by commitment to democracy and self-determination, the American government has traditionally taken an interest in the political development of other countries. The recent intervention of the U.S. in the political development of Southwest Africa/Namibia is an example. In the body of this paper the author reviews in detail the history of political domination by certain groups over other groups, as demonstrated by (1) the development of France as a nation from a territorial stage, (2) Ian Smith's transitional government in Rhodesia, (3) struggles among tribal groups for political control or identity in Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, and (4) tension between ethnic groups in Guyana, Trinidad-Tobago, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The author concludes that the political needs of multi-ethnic countries cannot be fulfilled by unitary territorial democracy or by territorial federalism. Each group must be able to organize politically and to administer its own affairs with an equitable share of public resources. Where nationalities are intermingled, the principle of personal autonomy should be invoked, enabling the organs of each nationality to provide education, cultural facilities, and other services. In this way, political socialization can build on traditional social groups instead of destroying them. (Author/AV)