An explanation of the meaning of the word “separatism” is often difficult. This is due to the fact that, firstly, it has a foreign origin, and, secondly, it refers to political terminology. Nevertheless, it is often used in the media, and anyone who wants to understand the current political situation both in our country and around the world should get to know the meaning of the word “separatism”.
Let's turn to the dictionary
About what the word "separatism" means, the dictionary says the following. This term is marked “political” and is characterized as the desire of a certain group of people to separate, to separate from the majority.
And also this concept refers to political processes and practical actions that are aimed at ensuring that part of the state’s territory is separated from it. The goal is to create a new independent state or to gain wide autonomy.
An example of the use of the word: “Faced with a real manifestation of separatism, Russia in 2000 forcibly regained control over the territory that was the subject of claims of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Whereas control over Tatarstan, which did not sign the federal treaty and proclaimed international subjectivity and sovereignty, was managed to be established through a treaty-unification process. ”
Synonyms and etymology
To correctly understand what the word "separatism" means, we consider its synonyms and origin.
Since this is a very specific term, it has few synonyms. These include such as:
- tribalism;
- desire to isolate;
- desire to separate;
- claim for independence.
The studied word comes from the French noun séparatisme, which was formed from the Latin adjective separatus, meaning "separate, special." It, in turn, came from the Latin verb separare, which translates as "separate, separate." This verb was obtained by joining se-, which expresses separation, elimination to parāre, meaning “to prepare, prepare, organize, arrange”, originating from the pre-Indo-European perə.
Next, we consider the meaning of the word "separatism" in more detail.
Two opposites
The desire for isolation can be considered from two points of view. On the one hand, it has a foundation in the form of one of the international principles expressing the right of every people to self-determination. Often, separatism manifests itself in the form of a national liberation movement, as well as decolonization.
But there is another side to the coin. The desire for separation leads to a contradiction with another international principle, proclaiming sovereignty, unity and integrity, the inviolability of the borders of the state. Often this leads to conflicts both within states and between them.
When the cause of separatism is a gross violation of the rights of the people and people, religious and racial groups, it can play a positive role. This took place in the struggle against colonialism, for the creation of new nation-states.
At the end of the discussion of the meaning of the word "separatism", it is worth mentioning some of its varieties.
Types of Separatism
It is divided into species according to several characteristics. So, for example, for the goals pursued by certain groups:
- Separatism stands out with the goal of separating and forming an independent state. This includes Kurdish separatism, which is observed in Turkey and Uyghur - in China.
- Another goal is the secession and accession to another state. (Movement for the accession of Chinese Inner Mongolia to the state of Mongolia).
- The third type of goal is to preserve the region as part of the country, but with the acquisition of greater autonomy. (The struggle of the autonomy of Corsica for the expansion of rights within France).
The types of separatism are also distinguished in accordance with the requirements put forward, of which there are three:
- The demand for political freedoms and economic benefits that are infringed.
- The demand for independence.
- The struggle for the rights and land of indigenous peoples.
And also separatism is ethnic and religious - depending on which of the minorities advocates separation.