RSSThe rise of sub-nationalism
Jan 07
Some interesting thoughts on why the world is seeing many cases of increased sub-nationalism (parts of a nation wanting to secede or at a minimum more autonomy): What People Will Die For.
He brings up the point that with increased communication today smaller communities can gel together more easily. Also, in a globalized world it’s more feasible for small countries to function.
There are 2 current examples in Europe: Scotland electing a separatist government and Kosovo pushing to secede from Serbia. Other examples would be Quebec, parts of Pakistan wanting more autonomy, a possible split of Iraq, etc.
These arguments work only to a point. Small countries can still function, but larger, more powerful, countries have more prestige and sway in the world so something else is being lost. Looking at Canada as an example, if Quebec separated neither would retain it’s current level of power or prestige.
Jan 07, 2008 @ 13:47:43
Also note Kenya. Ethnic violence between the Kikuyus and the Luos.
Jan 08, 2008 @ 12:03:17
Subnationalism seems to be the natural tendency wherever the government doesn’t exactly represent the culture, religion, or economic interests of some portion of the population. It seems like the larger a country is, the more difficult it is to hold it together.
Russia’s various incarnations over the last several centuries have fought subnationalism from the Ukraine to Chechnya with harsh oppression and massive violence against civilians, in vain as the country has had to allow one state after another to secede.
Canada, everyone’s favorite country, has even heard separatist mumblings from provinces like BC and Alberta that think they could sustain their own economies independently. Not to mention the indigenous people, who would happily secede or else seclude themselves in the newest arctic territory.
The issue is especially important for Iraq, where the dictator’s oppressive regime was all that held it together. The Kurds believe Saddam’s overthrow granted them independence from the rest of Iraq and are now getting into serious border disputes with Turkey. If the Kurds were to secede completely from “Iraq”, they would be immediately invaded by Turks.
The most successful nations are run by secular nationalism, which builds pride in the national identity while it attempts to represent everyone without specifically representing anyone. USA! USA! USA! That is until some divider claims the country is a “Christian Nation” and starts handing out entitlements to a few favored demographics. God bless America!