Who's fighting for Independence in 2017?

separatist movements are not new. Everywhere in the world, groups identified through culture, religion, race, or otherwise have sought either full autonomy or sovereignty and independence from the respective nations.

In fact, most states are products of separatist movements, stemming from days when empires controlled most of the world. Today, there are still separatist movements that are making a difference with what they're doing.

Although global empires are relics of the past, there are still separatist movements, perhaps about 100 worldwide.

One of the most active today in 2017 is the Catalonia Independence Movement. Catalonia is a region in northeastern Spain inhabited by 7.5 million people. They have their own language, Catalan, their distinctive culture from Spain, and even an autonomous government. By the early 20th century, Catalonia was practically a separate country. But with the establishment of the fascist dictator, Francisco Franco in 1939, any demand for autonomy or independence was banned. While Spain adopted a democratic constitution in the late 70s, Catalonia was granted autonomy controlled by Spain.

On October 1, 2017, over 90% of the Catalans agreed that they wanted to become the Republic separated from Spain. This referendum was named illegal by the European Commission, while by the Spanish government as violence against the constitution. Spain even sent police forces to stop the vote. However, the Catalan Parliament declared independence on October 27th, to which the Spanish prime minister reacted by scattering parliament.

This tension between the Spanish government and separatist groups in Catalonia has led to severe clashes between protesters and advocates of Spanish law, while declaring independence is not recognised by any other sovereign nation.

Another European region seeking autonomy is Scotland [from the United Kingdom]. Scotland was a sovereign state in the Middle Ages once, but joined England at the beginning of the 17th century in what was called the “Residence of crowns”. Technically, Scotland is a state with its own parliament but has limited powers from the United Kingdom, which has control not only of Scotland but also of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In a 2014 national referendum to determine whether Scotland wanted to split or not, 55% of voters sought to remain in the UK. However, just two years later, the United Kingdom decided to leave the EU, for which the 62% Scottish ruling was against. This raised the possibility that Scotland [since it wanted to remain part of the EU] would be separated from the UK. In response, the English prime minister said that this could not happen. However, the United Kingdom has been polarised again, and it remains to be seen what will happen next.

Finally, one of the most active and violent separatist movements is in the Middle East. An area known as Kurtistan, covering regions in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria and Armenia, is inhabited by a population known as Kurds. They have their culture, their language and have sought autonomy since the Ottoman Empire. While Syria's Kurds have been able to participate in Syria because of civil war and establish a government, the most controversial part is in Iraq. Iraqi Kurdistan is the only autonomous region of Iraq, which has its government and parliament. In September 2017 a vote was held about independence, where more than 92% voted supporting the motion. In response, the Iraqi government began taking over Kurdish territory under control.

In late October, the Iraqi Kurdistan leader agreed to take a step back and enjoy the autonomy they once had.

In this year, these three regions have been the most active in their struggle for independence. But with governments that do not want to give you control, it is not known what violence or disorder may erupt.

Clearly, the struggle for independence is something very difficult, with very little chance of success. ) Nowthiesworld