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The unthinkable sometimes comes true and astonishes us with results that defy our expectations. We can see this in large countries that split up because of geographical, linguistic, and political differences.
When Czechoslovakia divided into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, nothing terrible happened. Changing borders and jurisdictions is part of the natural progression of history, even though people tend to think what exists now should last for eternity. But this isn't always the case.
We usually only think about breakups happening to other countries, not our own--yet in recent years, the United States has been just as fragmented as many of the nation-states from before. It seems we might eventually reach a point when one unified rule for everyone makes little sense anymore.
So why don't we play a game and consider what it would look like?
The political landscape of the United States is a constant talking point because of its 19th-century attempt at dissolution. This was one of many calls for the U.S. to split up. Still, it was then the concept of manifest destiny took root. With it, the idea that America should remain exactly as it is.
At its foundation, the U.S. comprised 13 colonies with no actual governing body until 12 years later, when they formed a federal government with checks and balances that ensured they did not abuse each power -- including judicial powers.
This decentralized structure worked well over time since it left most political decisions to individual states. But what might happen now if this system came under strain? Is it really out of the realm of possibility for America to break up?
Maybe this could solve our current intractable issues without resorting to war or economic seclusion – though it's doubtful such a thing would be handled properly even if put in motion.
Historically, the emergence of gigantic nation-states has been attributed to the longing of powerful leaders to create a lasting legacy. But more modern times have brought a different motivation: we believe larger states are better able to generate wealth thanks to their diversity, established regulations, and security against outside forces.
However, with advancing technology, this argument is becoming increasingly less valid since location is no longer as significant as connectivity in our current digital era. As a result, geographically non-contiguous political organizations are now more feasible than ever.
With modern advancements, it has become unnecessary to be tied down to one's political vicinity. Subscription-based public services are now available, and the extent of their geographical relevance depends on the service type – such as water, fire, and ambulance. With today's technology, law and litigation no longer require geographical proximity for effectiveness.
The emergence of large American territories and the introduction of widespread public schooling and compulsory attendance laws go hand in hand. By doing so, they sought to inculcate notions of unity, compliance, and uniformity.
Although not everyone agreed with this idea, it gradually attained overwhelming success. However, two years ago, an unexpected shutdown revealed other possibilities the state had previously restricted. In response to this, many parents have fought fiercely for changes at a local level.
These actions are now inspiring long overdue reform within Congress – with multiple bills being proposed to abolish the Department of Education.
The formation of large unitary states was justified, hoping the nation-state currency would obtain more power and reach further than before. This did indeed occur in the U.S., which ran counter to history.
In the early 19th century, we used gold and silver as monies, while foreign coins had free circulation. The 1880s established a unified coinage system, and a central bank followed this in 1913.
By 1971, we removed gold from backing it. It is clear the dollar profited from this arrangement. Still, with new technologies in money and finance, its geographical dependence has decreased significantly. With just a few clicks, any form of currency can be converted into another. Modern blockchain technology offers new possibilities for private money to exist alongside public ones – thereby weakening the rationale behind establishing large, unified states altogether.
The present political division in the U.S. has become a major hindrance to progress. People are missing out on the opportunity to improve their lives as they are too busy trying to seize power from one another.
The nation's unity can be maintained without forcing them together by allowing for different states with their own constitutions, court systems, legislatures, and chief executives. It does not have to mean abandoning open-mindedness, either. Peace and mutual understanding could still coexist between individuals with disparate political beliefs.
It is no easy feat, but it must be done if we are to make the world of tomorrow a more peaceful and prosperous place. This will require breaking away from federalism as we know it today. However hard that process might be, this may very well result in everyone being better off in the end.
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Brian Carson is a correspondent for The Sentinel.