A separatist is an oath or a social term? The social and legal essence of separatism

In dictionaries and encyclopedias, separatism is defined as the political and practical isolation of part of the territory in order to obtain an independent status or a separate state. A separatist is a person who participates in such a process of separation.

Who were the first separatists

Peaceful church community, separated from the state English church in the 16th century, became the first voluntary association of people of the same faith, with the same interests. Members of the group of believers signed a treaty upon joining an organized community. The pastor's office was elected. The irreconcilable attitude of the "Brownies" to the adherents of the Catholic, Puritan and Anglican beliefs, which the separatists considered too strict and radical, complicated the lives of members of these communities. The Plymouth colony was organized in 1620 by one such group that emigrated to America.

Who are called separatists now

Separatists - who are they? Bandits or terrorists, how sometimes do they try to represent the authorities? Or are these groups of people seeking more autonomy, more opportunities for their territory, in accordance with the international right to self-determination? On the one hand, the emergence of liberation movements violates the borders and the integrity of the state. On the other hand, one of the reasons for separatism is a gross violation of human rights, national minorities and religious groups.

Where do the separatists come from? Who is it? These people are not guests, but citizens of this state. And not always a territorial split is their goal. More often than not, a separatist is a fighter for his civil, religious or national rights. This is a group of people who do not agree, do not recognize the current power in the state. The willingness to defend one's beliefs with weapons in the hands is most often provoked by power structures.

The types, causes and objectives of the split in society

Strikers can be divided into several groups:

• The actions of the lower strata of the population are provoked by economic factors and are suppressed mainly by force methods;
• Representatives of the middle stratum of society - stand in defense of their national interests demanding greater autonomy;
• Representatives of the elite - are at war for gaining power, using for the achievement of their goals both groups named above, supplying them with weapons, money, food and provoking openly aggressive actions.

Legal science divides separatism into religious and ethnic. Each of these groups has its own goals, which are protected by associations of adherents. At the same time, it is possible to solve all the issues and requirements both by legal, soft, and by force methods and means.

Harm and benefit from state internal processes

The separatist is a supporter of unification, which can create many acute and complex problems in the state. The sharpest interstate and interethnic conflicts can become a consequence of extremist and nationalist actions.

However, the history of the development of the world society is also known for such moments when these movements played a positive role. They include the following processes:

• The end of the colonial yoke;
• The formation of many young national states;
• Expansion of the rights of some autonomies.

A modern separatist is a participant in a complex political and legal process, involved in the programs of leaders of the movement, often pursuing their own interests.

The extremist organizations of separatists with their "national liberation" movements, with violent capture and retention of power, are most dangerous for society. When ethnic or religious goals are achieved, the interests of other national groups are not taken into account.