If
you’ve read my work over the past several weeks, you’ve probably noticed an
increased fascination with secession/independence movements around the world. I
think we’re at the very early stages of this developing trend, which will see
nation-states across the world fracture for a variety of reasons. The
historical significance of the political changes we’re about to live through
cannot be overstated. As I wrote in last month’s piece, The Future Will Be Decentralized:
To conclude, I recognize that I’m
making a huge call here. I think the way human beings organize their affairs
will experience the most significant paradigm level shift we’ve seen in the
Western world since the end of the European feudal system hundreds of years
ago. That’s how significant I think this shift will be. There are two key
things that need to happen for this to occur. The first is technological
innovation, and that’s already happening. The second is increased human
consciousness. As Thoreau noted, in order for us to have greater
self-determination we need to be ready for it. Are we ready? I think we’re
getting there.
While
extremely significant, the Catalan independence movement is just the tip of the
iceberg when it comes to a global drive toward political decentralization. For
example, just today I came across another potential secessionist hotspot in an
unexpected place, Brazil.
Bloomberg reports:
Inspired by the separatist vote in
Catalonia, secessionists in three wealthy southern Brazilian states are
redoubling their efforts to break away from the crisis-battered nation.
Residents of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina
and Parana states are being called to vote in an informal plebiscite on Oct. 7 on whether they want
independence. Organizers are also urging residents of the three states to sign
a legislative proposal for each of their regional assemblies that would call
for a formal, binding referendum. The non-profit group “The South is My Country” aims to
mobilize a million voters in 900 out of the region’s 1,191 cities.
Cooler, whiter and richer than the rest of
Brazil, these southern states have long nursed separatist ambitions. Rio Grande
do Sul even briefly claimed independence 180 years ago. Few Brazilians expect
the current movement to succeed any time soon, not least because it is
prohibited by the Constitution. But the country’s deepest recession on record
and a massive corruption scandal have exacerbated the region’s longstanding
resentment towards the federal government in Brasilia. With just one
year to go until general elections, the rekindling of separatist sentiment in
the south is another indicator of the unsettled state of Brazilian politics.
Celso Deucher, the leader of The South is My
Country, says the region contributes four times as much tax as it receives and
suffers from a below-average level of political representation. He argues that
such an unjust situation outweighs any legal concerns.
“Whenever the subject of
separatism comes up, they ban it because the federal Constitution does not
allow it,” he said. “But the law is not immutable.”
Rio Grande do Sul is currently immersed in a
financial crisis and has lost much of its economic clout, according to Fernando
Schuler, a professor of political science at Insper University in Sao
Paulo.
“There’s a huge cultural detachment between
the Tropicalia Brazil and the South,” he said. “The reasons for separation are
solid, justifiable, but I don’t think they are viable.”
There
are two aspects of the above story I’d like to address. First, is that, like
Catalonia, the regions thinking about secession from Brazil are relatively
wealthy. This is not insignificant and certainly worth thinking about when it
comes to wondering what sorts of responsibility these regions should have to
the former union should a peaceful breakup go forward. It’s also worth
remembering that the leaders of the American revolution were also extremely
wealthy. An Independence movement driven by wealthy factions doesn’t
necessarily preclude the creation of a superior governing structure.
The
second point relates to the fact that Brazil, like Spain, apparently provides
no “exit option” for any province or region which decides it no longer wishes
to be part of the nation-state. As such, this is by definition an oppressive
and involuntary political relationship completely inappropriate to conscious
human beings. As I explained in Monday’s post, all
political associations should be voluntary and it’s absurd that people are
simply born into nation-states that are assumed to be forever entities with no
escape latch.
Nation-states
aren’t eternal, nor should they be. The problem with nation-states is they
refuse to accept this fundamental reality. As such, political dealings with the
state get transformed into oppressive centralized relationships, as opposed to
voluntary decentralized arrangements. It’s no surprise then that oppressive
relationships work out less positively for the average person than voluntary
ones where the citizen and local communities are sovereign and empowered.
In
response to the Spanish King’s extraordinarily thuggish comments regarding
Catalonia yesterday, I composed several tweets relevant to today’s discussion.
Saying people can't ever leave a nation-state is as primitive as saying
people can't get divorced.
If a union no
longer works you always need to have a way to leave. Whether marriage or
political.
Spain's
constitution apparently does not allow a way out.
This is bondage and is actually patently insane.
This is bondage and is actually patently insane.
Humans have
advanced in many ways in the past half century, but we haven't really advanced
at all when it comes to political systems.
Any
nation-state constitution that claims there’s no way to separate from the
centralized government is an unethical and anti-human constitution. You can’t
hide behind unjust laws to defend political bondage. The sooner we recognize
this truth and increasingly move toward voluntary political relationships, the
better.
If you liked this article and enjoy my work, consider becoming
a monthly Patron, or visit
our Support Page to
show your appreciation for independent content creators.
In
Liberty,
Michael Krieger
https://libertyblitzkrieg.com/2017/10/04/will-brazil-be-the-next-hotspot-for-independence-movements/
Michael Krieger
