Capitalism itself is responsible both for the progressive meaningless of national-state boundaries and also the subjective, political retrenchment around those same boundaries. If 'secessionist' movements have gained 'traction' since the heyday of neoliberalism, that's because the nation-state as a unit can't keep pace with the globalization of capital itself. But while some national projects have given space to such feelings (Brexit, Trump, Hungary/Poland's EU feuds, Nicaragua's withdrawal from the OAS, El Salvador's endorsement of Bitcoin, etc.), others have reacted against it (Biden, Trudeau vis-a-vis the Truckers, etc.). Ultimately the same basis for the one is the basis for the other, and this self-contradiction will continue until it either is transcended or stagnates.
Great article. I agree that this must be seen in a long term process…
People who dismiss these secession movements are either dreaming or do not know history at all. I have witnessed articles saying “ Quebec sovereignty is dead “ or “ Texas independence is not feasible” yet these areas are still having independence movements. Quebec for instance only votes for a party that is about the Quebecois and Texas has now filed a referendum bill for independence. It will be quite interesting to see what happens.
Capitalism itself is responsible both for the progressive meaningless of national-state boundaries and also the subjective, political retrenchment around those same boundaries. If 'secessionist' movements have gained 'traction' since the heyday of neoliberalism, that's because the nation-state as a unit can't keep pace with the globalization of capital itself. But while some national projects have given space to such feelings (Brexit, Trump, Hungary/Poland's EU feuds, Nicaragua's withdrawal from the OAS, El Salvador's endorsement of Bitcoin, etc.), others have reacted against it (Biden, Trudeau vis-a-vis the Truckers, etc.). Ultimately the same basis for the one is the basis for the other, and this self-contradiction will continue until it either is transcended or stagnates.
Great article. I agree that this must be seen in a long term process…
People who dismiss these secession movements are either dreaming or do not know history at all. I have witnessed articles saying “ Quebec sovereignty is dead “ or “ Texas independence is not feasible” yet these areas are still having independence movements. Quebec for instance only votes for a party that is about the Quebecois and Texas has now filed a referendum bill for independence. It will be quite interesting to see what happens.