secede

Secede is to withdraw formally from a federation, union, or other political entity. The term comes from the Latin secedere, meaning to go apart. Secession involves a group or region seeking to establish separate sovereignty or form a new state, rather than remaining part of the existing political structure. It is distinct from mere autonomy or constitutional reform within a state.

Constitutional and legal dimensions vary by country. In many federations, unilateral secession is prohibited or requires a constitutional amendment or negotiated agreement. International law recognizes the right to self-determination for peoples, but it does not automatically authorize secession; recognition by other states and political factors influence outcomes. Referenda or negotiated settlements are common instruments in secessionist moves.

Notable historical examples include the secession of the Southern states from the United States in 1860–61, Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia in 1993, East Timor's independence from Indonesia in 1999 and 2002, and South Sudan's independence from Sudan in 2011. Contemporary cases include movements in Catalonia, Scotland, and other regions, where claims of distinct identity or grievances spur calls for independence, often amid transitions toward greater autonomy.

Secession remains a contentious path with wide-ranging consequences for governance, security, and economics. Advocates emphasize self-determination and cultural or political rights, while opponents warn of instability and potential rights violations for minorities. In practice, successful secessions typically involve broad legitimacy, peaceful negotiation, and clear post-secession governance arrangements; otherwise outcomes can be protracted and unstable.