Secession and Self-determination in the United States

“This concise, highly readable volume explores America’s enduring fascination with secession. Using case studies of successful and unsuccessful secessionist movements at the subnational level, the authors illustrate the complexities surrounding efforts by groups to achieve autonomy from a larger state. The comparison of cases is facilitated by a conceptual framework identifying various causes of these political movements. The discussion highlights the challenges facing would-be secessionists. Yet, the idea remains popular, and students of American history and politics will find this overview interesting and revealing.”—D. Munroe Eagles, Emeritus Professor, Political Science, University at Buffalo“At a moment marked by polarization and renewed debates over secession and governance, this book is important and timely. Blending theory and history, the authors utilize case studies of American secession movements to demonstrate how questions of political power, culture, and economics intersect to shape our discourse. Full of insight and interesting stories, this study offers a compelling lens for understanding the past, present, and future of federalism in the United States.”—Christopher Cody, Assistant Professor, History, Hudson County Community College Secession and Self-determination in the United States: Culture, Conchs, and Pop vs Soda examines a selection of sub-state movements to discern patterns in law and politics using secession to achieve policy goals. Highlighting Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, in the context of broader theories of sovereignty and self-determination at work in the rest of the world, the book postulates a process for achieving success within Constitutional limits.