Writings on the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution
A collection of links to some of my previous writings on these topics, which I think remain relevant today.
Secession
National Divorce?
Is breaking up the U.S. a good idea? Law professor F.H. Buckley and Libertarian Party activist Jonathan Casey debate.
National Divorce? A Soho Forum Debate
Is breaking up the U.S. a good idea? Law professor F.H. Buckley and Libertarian Party activist Jonathan Casey debate.
Law, Justice, and Russia's Attempted Annexation of Four Ukrainian Regions
Vladimir Putin's annexation plan is indefensible on both legal and moral grounds. Some of the reasons why have broader implications for normative theories of secession and self-determination.
Law, Justice, and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Neither side is ideal. But both law and justice are far more on Ukraine's side than Vladimir Putin's.
CW's The Republic of Sarah Is No Free State Project
Anarchy in New Hampshire? Unfortunately, not quite.
Salvaging Secession
The Founders understood union as a strategic necessity, not a moral imperative.
Upcoming Virtual Event on "Crossing Borders, Breaking Borders: New Ideas About Migration, Secession, and Political Freedom"
The event is co-sponsored by the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and the Law and Economics Center at George Mason University.
Tim Waters and Frank Buckley Respond to Critics in the Balkinization Symposium on Secession
In this post, I link to their responses and offer a brief rejoinder to Waters.
Balkinization Symposium on Secession
The symposium, which includes a contribution from me, reviews important new books on secession by Timothy William Waters and Frank Buckley.
The Universalist Principles of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence advocates a polity based on universal principles of liberty and equality, not ethnic nationalism. We would do well to remember those principles today.
Brexit Is a Bonanza for Smugglers (and That's a Good Thing)
Borders offer a wonderful opportunity to evade high taxes and restrictive rules.
If Californians Want to Secede, Americans May Be Ready to Let Them Go
There's growing tolerance for splitting off chunks of what our social studies teachers insisted was an "indivisible" union.
California's Supreme Court Won't Let Citizens Vote for Statewide Divorce
Proposal to break Golden State into 3 yanked from the ballot.
California Supreme Court Removes Question on Splitting Up State from November Ballot
The initiative could be reinstated for the 2020 election, however, if the Court concludes that its inclusion does not violate California law.
The Declaration of Independence and the Case for a Polity Based on Universal Principles
The Declaration of Independence makes the case for a political system based on universal principles of liberty and equality, not ethnic nationalism. Those principles are as relevant as ever in our troubled times.
Should California be Broken Up?
A plan to divide California into three states will be on the state's referendum ballot in November. If it passes and is approved by Congress, it could potentially be a significant change for the better.
Plan to Break Up California Makes Fall Ballot
Voters will get to consider a plan to create three smaller states, but politicians will make the call.
A New Year Means a New California Secession Movement
A rural inland group wants to split from the coastal communities and from Sacramento.
Stossel: Let Them Leave!
Regions around the world are fighting for independence. If people want to secede, let them!
Is Secession by Referendum Libertarian?
Little Nationalism can be as destructive of human flourishing as Big Nationalism.
Spain's Crackdown in Catalonia Won't Stop the Push for Self-Determination
If anything, it will make independence more attractive.
Racially Motivated School-Secession Case Shows Need for Expanded School Choice
The NAACP has filed an appeal to stop the secession, on the grounds that race was an underlying factor in creating the new school district.
CalExit Secession Movement Dies the Way It Lived: Stupidly
Organizer decides he wants to continue to live in Russia.
'CalExit' Secession Petition Gets Approval to Circulate
How long can anger over Trump's election sustain activism?
Do #CalExit Supporters Realize Many Californians Have Been Trying to Escape Them?
A secession movement thinks (incorrectly) the state is just one big progressive playground.
If and When New Hampshire Becomes Its Own Nation, Blame Carla Gericke
Former Free State Project head named president of even-more-out-there group!
Jefferson Staters Keeping Up Fight in California
At Sacramento rally, rural residents say Legislature has ignored their issues
State of Jefferson Supporters Seek Independence from California
Will Northern California become the nation's 51st state?
The City of South Miami Wants to Split Florida in Two
Climate-change fears don't always lead to calls for centralization.
Weekly Standard: Scottish Independence May Sound Harmless, But Just Wait Til the RUSSIAN SUBMARINES Arrive
For aficionados of anti-independence scaremongering.
Why the Scottish Should Vote 'Yes' on Independence
Scotland gave the world the Enlightenment. It's time for the modern heirs of Adam Smith and David Hume to claim their freedom.