In dictionaries and encyclopedias, separatism is defined as the political and practical isolation of a part of a territory in order to obtain an independent status or a separate state. And a separatist is a person who participates in such a separation process.
Who were the first separatists
The peaceful church community, separated from the state English church in the 16th century, became the first voluntary association of people of the same faith, with the same interests. Members of a group of believers signed a contract when joining an organized community. The office of pastor was elective. The irreconcilable attitude of the "Brownists" towards adherents of the Catholic, Puritan and Anglican faiths, which the separatists considered too strict and radical, complicated the life of the members of these communities. Plymouth Colony was organized in 1620 by one such group who emigrated to America.
Who are called separatists now
Separatists - who are they? Bandits or terrorists, as the authorities sometimes try to present them? Or is it a group of people seeking more autonomy, more opportunities for their territory, in accordance with the international right to self-determination? WithOn the one hand, the emergence of liberation movements violates the borders and integrity of the state. On the other hand, one of the causes of separatism is a gross violation of human rights, national minorities and religious groups.
Where do the separatists come from, who are they? These people are not guests, but citizens of this state. And not always a territorial split is their goal. Most often, a separatist is a fighter for his civil, religious or national rights. This is a group of people who do not agree, do not recognize the current authorities in the state. The readiness to defend one's beliefs with weapons in hand is most often provoked by power structures.
Types, causes and goals of the split in society
The strikers can be conditionally divided into several groups:
- performances of the lower strata of the population - provoked by economic factors and suppressed mainly by force;
- representatives of the middle stratum of society - stand up for their national interests demanding greater autonomy;
- representatives of the elite - fighting for power, using both groups named above to achieve their goals, supplying them with weapons, money, food and provoking open aggressive actions.
Legal science divides separatism into religious and ethnic. Each of these groups has its own goals, which are defended by associations of adherents. At the same time, all issues and requirements can be resolved as legal, soft,and by forceful methods and means.
Harm and benefit from state internal processes
A separatist is a supporter of unification, which can create many acute and complex problems in the state. The most acute interstate and interethnic conflicts can be the result of extremist and nationalist actions.
However, the history of the development of world society also knows such moments when the mentioned movements played a positive role. These include the following processes:
- end of the colonial yoke;
- formation of many young nation-states;
- expanding the rights of some autonomies.
A modern separatist is a participant in a complex political and legal process, involved in the programs of the leaders of the movement, often pursuing their own interests.
The most dangerous for society are extremist separatist organizations with their "national liberation" movements, with the violent seizure and retention of power. When they achieve ethnic or religious goals, the interests of other national groups are not taken into account.
