The Dynamic of Secession

Front Cover
Cambridge University Press, 1999 M06 28 - 264 pages
Secessionist activity has been increasing in the developing world, in Western liberal democracies, and especially in the former Communist states of Eastern Europe. This timely book offers a general explanation for the occurrence of the phenomenon, arising from a comparative study of numerous historical examples of secession and separatist conflict. The book develops a comprehensive framework, specifying the elements necessary for a secession crisis, and discussing the moral issues underpinning it.

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Contents

Theoretical foundation for analysis of secession
8
The costs and benefits
31
The benefits of membership
33
The costs of secession
51
The costs of membership
79
The benefits of secession
96
The dynamic of secession
115
Last resorts a rise in the costs of membership
117
Opportune moments a reduction in the costs of secession
145
A reduction in the benefits of membership
167
A rise in the benefits of secession
202
Conclusion
216
Bibliography
233
Index
259
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