Separatism is often triggered by the imbalance in the distribution of power and resources between the central government and regional authorities. When a particular region feels economically exploited or does not receive commensurate benefits from its contributions to the state, a sense of injustice emerges, sparking separatist aspirations. Gehring and Schneider (2020) suggest that fiscal inequality can increase support for separatism, especially in resource-rich regions.
In addition to economic factors, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural identity differences further strengthen the desire for separation. According to Bormann, Cederman, and Vogt (2017), ethnic groups that feel politically underrepresented or marginalized tend to show a higher tendency toward separatism. When collective identity is not accommodated within the state’s structure, narratives of sub-state nationalism gain strength.
External factors, such as support from the diaspora or international actors, can also bolster separatist movements. Mavlonova (2017) highlights how external involvement can provide legitimacy, resources, or even protection for separatist groups. Therefore, addressing separatism requires a multidimensional strategy: one that includes fiscal justice, identity recognition, and careful foreign policy considerations.
(WM)
