This phenomenon describes the advocacy for or pursuit of political divorce by a specific ethnic group from a larger, multi-ethnic state. It involves the desire to create an independent nation-state or to gain a high degree of autonomy within a region, motivated by the belief that the group’s unique cultural, linguistic, or historical identity is incompatible with the existing political structure. A notable instance includes the dissolution of Yugoslavia, where distinct ethnic groups such as Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks sought self-determination, ultimately leading to the formation of separate nations.
Understanding this concept is crucial within the study of human geography because it directly relates to issues of political geography, nationalism, and conflict. It reveals how cultural identities can shape political landscapes and trigger territorial disputes. The benefits of studying it include gaining insights into the causes of international and intrastate conflicts, the formation of new states, and the redrawing of political boundaries. Furthermore, examining historical examples helps to contextualize contemporary geopolitical tensions and understand the dynamics of identity politics on a global scale. The subject highlights the tension between the unifying forces of globalization and the divisive forces of ethnic and cultural identity.
