Essay: Blest Be the Ties That Bind

Federalism is the most boring word in the American political lexicon. Around the world, however, it's a fightin' word. Some countries will break, some blood will flow over it. From Kashmir to Quebec, the world is seething with secessionists who have had enough of the federations to which history and colonial masters have assigned them. They want out.

Eritreans want to be free of Ethiopians. Kashmiris want to be rid of Indians. Even in boring, comfortable old Canada, Quebec is poised to walk. Of course, the problem is most acute in the Soviet Union, where first the Baltics, then Russia, then...

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