Psychology
Federalism and the Inhibition of Secessionist Conflict
Quick fact
Countries with ethnic groups geographically concentrated in a homeland are far more likely to survive as federations than those where groups are intermingled; nearly all successful federations match regional borders to ethnic concentrations, while mismatches often deepen conflict.
Why this is interesting
You’ve heard that giving rebellious regions more power might keep them from breaking away—but sometimes it has the exact opposite effect. Why does that happen?