In this article we will see some of the world regions and territories currently seeking independence from their mainland in 2023.
This quest can happen both pacifically, thought for example democratic referendums, or more violently, through demonstrations and also, in some cases, conflict. These conflicts frequently escalate into violence and cause decades of unpredictability.
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5 regions seeking independence in 2023
As a result of this, there are world regions seeking independence in 2023.
1. Scotland
The SNP (Scottish National Party) is the nationalist party pushing for the independence of Scotland from the United Kingdom. The aim of the party is to create a Scottish Republic and thus separate from the subjection to the British monarchy.
Scots are very much proud of their traditions, culture, and flourishing economy. The majority of Scottish people is for example unwilling to share the wealth they have amassed through oil drilling in the North Sea.
Despite British assurances that staying together is for the best, Scotland has decided to conduct its own referendum. In 2014, Scots voted on whether or not to become independent, and the results was closely watched across the European Union by countries wishing to secede.
The referendum saw the victory of the “No” party with 55.30 percent, thus Scotland remained part of the United Kingdom. Another turnover of the referendum is discussed and planned October 2023. Secession is currently increasingly wished from the Scottish people, also as a result of Brexit and its consequences.
2. Catalonia
Catalonian areas can be found in northern Spain. Major groups advocating for independence include the Republican Left of Catalonia, the Popular Unity Candidacy, Convergence and Union, and the Initiative for Catalonia Greens.
Catalonian citizens feel they should not have to subsidize the rest of Spain during times of economic hardship because they are wealthy and only culturally Spanish in name.
Spain made it clear that they oppose the proposal and would not negotiate with Catalonia on it.
3. Kurdistan
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is the separatist group that aspires to break Kurdistan away from Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party claims that the Kurds are the largest ethnic minority in the world without a country of their own. Hence they demand full independence rather than mere autonomy.
Treaty of Sèvres, renounced autonomy in the 1970s, PKK terrorism, Iran-Iraq War, Saddam Hussein’s genocide of Kurds, and the Arab/Kurdish Spring are some of the most significant events.
Kurds in Syria are basically left to rule themselves in the wake of the Syrian Civil War, and the Kurdish language is prohibited in Syria but not in Iran or Turkey.
4. Basque region
The Basque country lies on the Pyrenees Mountains that separate France and Spain. ETA, a Basque separatist organization, fought for more than half a century to achieve independence through violence.
One of the oldest languages in Western Europe is at the center of the struggle there, making it the last major military conflict in that region. Only about a third of the Basque population is fluent in Basque. Nationalists there seek to gain independence so they can revitalize their culture and language.
ETA has abandoned its violent struggle and taken other measures in recent months to start a peace process. The government of Spain continues to reject talks with a group it labels a terrorist organization. Some are concerned that the region has not yet moved past its deadly history.
5. Flanders region
Western Belgium is where you’ll find Flanders. Independence-minded people are members of the Flemish Movement, which includes groups like the New Flemish Alliance (NVA). For the purposes of this discussion, “this movement” will refer to both the Flemish region of Belgium and the Flemish region of France.
It includes movements for more political autonomy for Flanders inside Belgium as well as those who have attempted to promote Flemish culture and the Dutch language.
NVA has gained consents in recent years and will undoubtedly strive for full separation someday. Even if public opinion supports increasing autonomy over independence.
Read also: These are the States currently not recognized by the UN
