Politics & Government
Secessionist Movements and State Sovereignty
Quick fact
Since 1945, the international community has recognized nearly 130 new states, but most secessionist attempts have failed to gain recognition—often because the strong norm of territorial integrity outweighs the principle of self-determination.
Why this is interesting
We tend to take the borders on a map for granted—until a region tries to carve out a new country of its own. What determines whether a secessionist movement succeeds?