Secession

Quick Facts: Who was Secession?

Subject:

Secession

Known for:

The unilateral withdrawal of an integral part of a state's territory to form a separate political entity.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Secession is the unilateral withdrawal of an integral part of a state's territory. Secession generally aims to establish a separate political entity, typically a sovereign state, although it may instead seek accession to another existing state. Secession often begins with an act such as a declaration of independence, and may be pursued peacefully or through armed conflict. Scholars distinguish secession from related concepts such as separatism. Theories of secession differ over its causes, moral justification, and legal status, including whether groups possess a general right of secession or only a remedial right in cases of serious injustice.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

International law generally neither recognizes a broad right of unilateral secession nor absolutely prohibits it, while the constitutional law of individual states varies considerably. Secession has occurred throughout history through decolonization, the breakup of federations and multinational states, and regional independence movements. Historical and contemporary secessionist movements have sought independence or greater autonomy in many parts of the world. Threats of secession may be used to obtain greater autonomy or other political concessions short of independence. According to the 2017 book Secession and Security, by political scientist Ahsan Butt, states respond violently to secessionist movements if the potential state poses a greater threat than the would-be secessionist movement.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

States perceive a future war with a potential new state as likely if the ethnic group driving the secessionist struggle has deep identity division with the central state, and if the regional neighborhood is violent and unstable. According to political scientist Bridget L. Coggins, the academic literature contains four potential explanations for the drastic increase in secessions during the 20th century: Ethnonational mobilization, where ethnic minorities have been increasingly mobilized to pursue states of their own. Institutional empowerment, where the growing inability of empires and ethnic federations to maintain colonies and member states increases the likelihood of success. Relative strength, where increasingly powerful secessionist movements are more likely to achieve statehood. Negotiated consent, where home states and the international community increasingly consent to secessionist demands.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2017: 2017 Milestone — According to the 2017 book Secession and Security, by political scientist Ahsan Butt, states respond violently to secessionist movements if the potential state poses a greater threat than the would-be secessionist movement.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Secession

True or False: “Did Woodrow Wilson's proclamations on self-determination occur before the major surge in secessionist demands?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text states that Woodrow Wilson's proclamations on self-determination in 1918 *created* a surge in secessionist demands.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdul Halim of Kedah — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): Sultan of Kedah and Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a pivotal Malaysian royal figure.
• Adam West — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Secession of Panama from Colombia — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The formal separation of Panama from Colombia, leading to the establishment of an independent republic.
• Secessionist — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The unilateral withdrawal of an integral part of a state's territory to form a separate political entity.
• Second Anglo-Sikh War — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The 1848–1849 conflict leading to the annexation of the Punjab by the British.
• Second Balkan War — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The Second Balkan War (1913) was a conflict over Macedonia among former allies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Secession