Secessionist Tendencies in the World: Comparative Study

Abstract

The study aimed to address the similarities and differences between separatist tendencies in the world. The study used the comparative approach, comparing six cases that fall under three types of secessionist tendencies: the first type is a comparison between the provinces of Quebec and Scotland as two cases demanding secession by following the democratic mechanism through negotiations, the second is between of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Catalan Region, they seek unilateral secession in the face of strong opposition from the their two central governments, and the last type is a comparison between the Somali Region and South Yemen, which were independent states before they both unite into a merger state, they declared secession and are still seeking independence as internationally recognized states. The study concluded that whatever the justifications for secession or the nature of the path taken by the separatist movement to achieve its efforts towards independence, whether through negotiation or unilaterally, the positions of the central governments are the decisive factor, followed by regional and international positions that stem from their fear of the repercussions of this in reviving separatist tendencies in their territories, and the impact of this on the stability of international relations