NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, at the moment there are definately moves toward new borders in countries all over the world. Revolutions, secessions, etc. are all taking place and new countries are being formed.

But anything that will cause great international movements within the next 10-20 years?

One definate one that is occuring right now is the possibility of an independent Quebec. I don't exactly know what will be the result of a new country neighboring to the U.S., but it's bound so cause social and political changes in this sphere of the world.

Anywhere else? Possibilities of Northern Ireland leaving? That Prussian area? And uh...anything else along those lines?

I'm curious. I'm quite sure that the world will be changing. I want to know how it'll change.

That Prussian area?
Nope.
Germany settled its Eastern Border with Poland, and Russia is unlikely to give up a single bit of its land.
Plus the people there have no reason to want to move away - Kaliningrad and surroundings is a major trade hub between Germany and Russia now.

But I would think that Aceh, Southern Thailand and maybe even Tibet are still on the cards.
Then there's obviously Iraq, which might break apart.

I'm curious. I'm quite sure that the world will be changing. I want to know how it'll change.
Don't we all!

How about N. and S. Korea reuniting?

There's also been talk of merging some of the countries in South America to be more in line with what Simon Bolivar envisioned.

Other than that, most boundaries seem to be well set.

Nope.
Germany settled its Eastern Border with Poland, and Russia is unlikely to give up a single bit of its land.
Plus the people there have no reason to want to move away - Kaliningrad and surroundings is a major trade hub between Germany and Russia now.

But I would think that Aceh, Southern Thailand and maybe even Tibet are still on the cards.
Then there's obviously Iraq, which might break apart.
Yeah, I wanted to stay away from Iraq because that's all up in the air right now and who knows what might happen at any time.

Don't we all!

How about N. and S. Korea reuniting?

There's also been talk of merging some of the countries in South America to be more in line with what Simon Bolivar envisioned.

Other than that, most boundaries seem to be well set.
If these boundries will remain the same, then will they remain the same so long as the U.S. remains the remaining superpower?

Once the U.S. loses this status, will there be a massive power vacuum and a rush to imperialism from all those that want superpower status (US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, etc.)?

If these boundries will remain the same, then will they remain the same so long as the U.S. remains the remaining superpower?

Once the U.S. loses this status, will there be a massive power vacuum and a rush to imperialism from all those that want superpower status (US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, etc.)?
That's open to speculation. China seems to be the only Country with both the prospects and the will to become another "super-power."

Oh, and then there's obviously the matter of borders actually disappearing in the EU.
Won't happen soon, but it's still a change that oughta be anticipated.

In other news, Greece demands Macedonia change its name if it wants to join the EU...:D
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/041105114817.44kclauw/
EDIT: That's about borders and territory too.

Sachen gibt's...

Well if Iraq does break up Kurdistan will finally exist.

The sucky thing about Quebec seperation would be that the Atlantic provinces might lose it's link with the rest of the country, depending on how much land Quebec snatches. Newfoundland would likely rejoin the Kingdom. Would Nova scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island become part of the United States? Would we form our own country? Or would we remain Canadian across a physical divide?

Personally, I want a unified, fedaral Europe that colonises Africa, contains Eurasian Russia, and can compete, and surpass, every other economy in the world.

Don't we all!

How about N. and S. Korea reuniting?


Or becoming a smoking, glowing, radioactive set of craters...

Personally, I want a unified, fedaral Europe that colonises Africa, contains Eurasian Russia, and can compete, and surpass, every other economy in the world.
Yeah, this is about possibilities, not impossibilities.

One definate one that is occuring right now is the possibility of an independent Quebec.

Hun, they've been threatening to leave for over 40 years..lol They aren't going any where. They just like to bitch. The separatist movement is no where near as strong as it once was and they didn't leave even when it was strong.. ;)

Yeah, this is about possibilities, not impossibilities.

A federal Europe is an inevitability really, although the colonistaion part is somewhat implausible.

Hun, they've been threatening to leave for over 40 years..lol They aren't going any where. They just like to bitch. The separatist movement is no where near as strong as it once was and they didn't leave even when it was strong.. ;)

I am convinced the best dope is smoked in Quebec.

I am convinced the best dope is smoked in Quebec.

That might be about the only thing we ever agree on..lol

Personally, I want a unified, fedaral Europe that colonises Africa, contains Eurasian Russia, and can compete, and surpass, every other economy in the world.
And I want a giant space hamster that can fly me to the moon and shits bricks of gold and pisses french champagne.

I am convinced the best dope is smoked in Quebec.

Ever get BC hydro?

That might be about the only thing we ever agree on..lol

You forget that we've agreed on other things.

And I want a giant space hamster that can fly me to the moon and shits bricks of gold and pisses french champagne.

Lucky you, if you do find one, make sure it breeds, I'd like one too

Ever get BC hydro?

Yes, B.C. by far use to have the best weed. However since anyone can now grow hydro anywhere, it's not true anymore. Although there is still the mushrooms..lol

Ever get BC hydro?
No, but I think that Quebec separatists I was reading about must be smoking it. He wants an independent Quebec to field an international fighting force complete with tanks, to travel around the world righting wrongs.

At least if Bush wants to gallivant around the world bombing and invading, he has the actual means to do so. So by any comparison, he's a little more grounded than that Quebequer.

No, but I think that Quebec separatists I was reading about must be smoking it. He wants an independent Quebec to field an international fighting force complete with tanks, to travel around the world righting wrongs.

As stated, Quebec has had delusions of grandeur for many years now..lol

Once the U.S. loses this status, will there be a massive power vacuum and a rush to imperialism from all those that want superpower status (US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, etc.)?

Hmm, a return to colonialism? Had not thought about that. But I suppose it is possible. Although live media will make it (hopefully) a more "friendly" type of imperialism.


Personally, I want a unified, fedaral Europe that colonises Africa, contains Eurasian Russia, and can compete, and surpass, every other economy in the world.

Hey, if the EU finally gets its act together I can see it being the way forward.


Personally, I think the commonwealth might make a break to be a "proper" economic power like the EU or the north american whatsit. Might be interesting to see three major players on the economic scene.

Lucky you, if you do find one, make sure it breeds, I'd like one too
Giant space hamsters reproduce by coming in contact with water, at which point the water turns green and several new Giant Space Hamsters emerge from their flesh.

Hmm, a return to colonialism? Had not thought about that. But I suppose it is possible. Although live media will make it (hopefully) a more "friendly" type of imperialism.




Hey, if the EU finally gets its act together I can see it being the way forward.


Personally, I think the commonwealth might make a break to be a "proper" economic power like the EU or the north american whatsit. Might be interesting to see three major players on the economic scene.

It would be interesting, and as for the commonwealth, I simply fail to see how it would submit to a union wherein it wouldbe subservient to the UK once more.

Well if Iraq does break up Kurdistan will finally exist.


Yeah, I can easily imagine no more Iraq as we know it. With Kurdistan in the north (which will cause tensions with Turkey), Iranian influence over the south and east (the Shi'ite areas) and the Sunnis either trying to make a go of it alone, or coming under Syrian influence.

Yeah, I can easily imagine no more Iraq as we know it. With Kurdistan in the north (which will cause tensions with Turkey), Iranian influence over the south and east (the Shi'ite areas) and the Sunnis either trying to make a go of it alone, or coming under Syrian influence.

Well, the break up of Iraq only means going back to what it was eighty-odd years ago (Before us brits decided to play silly buggers and make it one country)

Well, the break up of Iraq only means going back to what it was eighty-odd years ago (Before us brits decided to play silly buggers and make it one country)

Indeed. The colonial powers really messed up the borders there. And look at bloody Africa if you want screwy borders... we'd all be happier if Africa got together and redrew the borders using the nations and tribes they had pre-europe.

A federal Europe is an inevitability really, although the colonistaion part is somewhat implausible.

How exactly do you figure that? A federal Europe (as anything more than a loose trade organization) is highly unlikely. There have only been three real massive federal states in the modern era (the US, the USSR, and China) and all of them had several things that Europe lacks. First, they shared language (though this is less true in China). Shared language is an important thing, and even 40 or 50 years out I doubt that Germans won't speak German as they're primary language, or the French French, the British English, etc. That fundamental division in langauge is a problem, it is somethin which separates Europeans on a fundamental level right away. Second, all of these primary Federal states have more group identity than individual identity. While every citizen in the US is technically a citizen of both his Country and his State, states don't issue passports, and don't have much of an identity. That basic connection, that shared experiance and culture, doesn't exist in Europe. The French have a long history, and they know EXACTLY what it means to be French, the same goes for every nation in Europe. Can you really see France giving up some of it's culture in the interest of an integrated federal system? The final thing that stands between Europe and real federalism is revolution. Washington, Mao, and Lenin all had the chance to start from scratch. These federal systems were built from the ground up by societies that had a strong enough desire for change that they were willing to kill or die to achieve it.

Now, this doesn't mean that European nations are weak or unworthy, they simply are not well suited to federalism. Honestly, the more central control you have, the higher the likelyhood of tyranny and corruption. Europe has survived for 1000 years as a bunch of states that occasionally war with eachother. Each state has developed a language, culture, society, and way of life that is unique and individual. To put it in an American metaphor, Europe is mainstreet. There are a great deal of ma and pop shops that have history and character. The EU is Walmart.

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Europe has survived for 1000 years as a bunch of states that occasionally war with eachother.
Occasionally...

Yeah, I can easily imagine no more Iraq as we know it. With Kurdistan in the north (which will cause tensions with Turkey), Iranian influence over the south and east (the Shi'ite areas) and the Sunnis either trying to make a go of it alone, or coming under Syrian influence.

Heres a novel solution from a Teddy-Roosevelt-style isolationist (think Monroe Doctrine/Roosevelt corrolary)to the whole conflict in the middle east issue. First, the US, France, Germany, the UK, Russia, and all the other post-colonial powers take a big step back. Second, we let the countries redraw their borders the way they see fit (yeah, there'll be war, such is lfe). Third, we mind our own damned buisness. Why is it that Europe and the US is so convinced that the rest of the world needs us to help them along? If Iraq wants to break into three countries and start lobbing mortars at eachother, what buisness is it of ours?

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One interesting question with the European issue is where it puts the whole Irish Soverignty thing. Were a single unified Europe to form with or without the UK, Ireland would inevitably cash in. Where does that leave the Ulster problem? And what about all of those Americans who claim Irish heritage?

Occasionally...

I'm pretty sure there were a few dozen days of peace somewhere in there ;)

I'm pretty sure there were a few dozen days of peace somewhere in there ;)
Then the Congress of Vienna occured...then peace lasted for 100 years...then World War One happened because no one liked the whole "peace" thing.

Why is it that Europe and the US is so convinced that the rest of the world needs us to help them along? If Iraq wants to break into three countries and start lobbing mortars at eachother, what buisness is it of ours?The oil business mainly.

I'll forego the other reasons, because they might as much be part of the problem.

The oil business mainly.

I'll forego the other reasons, because they might as much be part of the problem.

These days. Still, there no oil in Korea, Kosovo, or Vietnam.

One interesting question with the European issue is where it puts the whole Irish Soverignty thing. Were a single unified Europe to form with or without the UK, Ireland would inevitably cash in. Where does that leave the Ulster problem? And what about all of those Americans who claim Irish heritage?

Not really. The Troubles are largely dying down now anyway, short of a few firebrands (Paisley). The EU encourages regional government, so I see us going on with the devolution principle. Eire will, of course, remain independent (and it is one of the great success stories of the EU). Northern Ireland will remain UK with devolved powers.

if anything it will diffuse the problem since the EU will make the distinction between Irish/British more irrelevent and will grant devolved regions a voice in the Council of regions.

As for Americans who claim Irish ancestry - why do they care? Honestly, its more than a little silly to claim some grand connection to a country because your grandparents came from there (and even more silly to send money to terrorist organisations there).

I think there's likely to be more problems with the Basques. The IRA, all being well, is calming down. The Basques are as well, but not to the same extent.

It would be interesting, and as for the commonwealth, I simply fail to see how it would submit to a union wherein it wouldbe subservient to the UK once more.

Nah, bollocks subservience, people tend to get upset about it. I would see it either as a single nation with a single parliament (not going to happen) or as something like the EU, but fairly obviously without everyone hating each other quite so much (Until it comes to the rugby or the cricket, where hostility is almost compulsary :D)

Occasionally...

Okay then, constantly. Its not the "hundred years" war, its the "eight hundred years and counting" war :P

I think only one major change is possible in the near-future, and that is Quebec leaving. If that happens, then the other provincial governments will take the hint, and the Canadian union will collapse, probably peacefully. The Atlantic provinces will federate, though parts of Nova Scotia may try to join Quebec. Ontario will become an independent nation, as it already has many attributes to run its own country. The prarie provinces, or at least Alberta and Saskatchewan, will join the US as states. Nunavut will perhaps either join Quebec or form its own nation. The only wild card is British Columbia. I honestly don't know what it will do. In any case, I expect to see this happening in the next twenty years.

Well if Iraq does break up Kurdistan will finally exist.

Possibly for a week or so before Turkey invades.

I think only one major change is possible in the near-future, and that is Quebec leaving. If that happens, then the other provincial governments will take the hint, and the Canadian union will collapse, probably peacefully. The Atlantic provinces will federate, though parts of Nova Scotia may try to join Quebec. Ontario will become an independent nation, as it already has many attributes to run its own country. The prarie provinces, or at least Alberta and Saskatchewan, will join the US as states. Nunavut will perhaps either join Quebec or form its own nation. The only wild card is British Columbia. I honestly don't know what it will do. In any case, I expect to see this happening in the next twenty years.


Cool. Can Maine join the Atlantic Provinces? We're practically one, anyway.

I think only one major change is possible in the near-future, and that is Quebec leaving. If that happens, then the other provincial governments will take the hint, and the Canadian union will collapse, probably peacefully. The Atlantic provinces will federate, though parts of Nova Scotia may try to join Quebec. Ontario will become an independent nation, as it already has many attributes to run its own country. The prarie provinces, or at least Alberta and Saskatchewan, will join the US as states. Nunavut will perhaps either join Quebec or form its own nation. The only wild card is British Columbia. I honestly don't know what it will do. In any case, I expect to see this happening in the next twenty years.


This is the most likely scenerio for a large change in borders. I surely hope you guys keep it together. But if not, I would welcome our Canadian cousins into the US. Maybe instead of stars for your states. We could honor Canada and make maple leafs.

Cool. Can Maine join the Atlantic Provinces? We're practically one, anyway.
Does Maine even border the Atlantic Provinces? In any case, probably not. Remember US policy on seccession. I don't know if there'd be war, but the State Department would give you hell.

Possibly for a week or so before Turkey invades.

Not as long as they cling to the possability of EVER joining the EU. An invasion by Turkey would instantly and permanantly kill their chance at getting in on the trade that the EU offers. Besides, I think its pretty clear that if Iraq becomes three countries instead of one, Kurdistan is where the US bases will be (with the old Suni and Ba'athists leavings hating us and the Shi'ites too politically unpredictable), and that isn't a fight Turkey has any interest in picking.

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Not as long as they cling to the possability of EVER joining the EU. An invasion by Turkey would instantly and permanantly kill their chance at getting in on the trade that the EU offers. Besides, I think its pretty clear that if Iraq becomes three countries instead of one, Kurdistan is where the US bases will be (with the old Suni and Ba'athists leavings hating us and the Shi'ites too politically unpredictable), and that isn't a fight Turkey has any interest in picking.

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I have a special tie to Bulgaria and have made several trips there over the years. So, call me a pessimist, but if Bulgaria and Romania are having this tough of a time making it into the EU (because of corruption and slow government reforms), I doubt that Turkey ever will.

.....The IRA, all being well, is calming down....

Has clamed down. Given up all weapons and stopped all criminal and intellegence gathering operations.

Then the Congress of Vienna occured...then peace lasted for 100 years...then World War One happened because no one liked the whole "peace" thing.

Yah; there were actually a few wars between the congress of vienna and WWI.

Anywhere else? Possibilities of Northern Ireland leaving? That Prussian area? And uh...anything else along those lines?

I'm curious. I'm quite sure that the world will be changing. I want to know how it'll change.

Mexico will take over South Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Maine. When Quebec becomes independent, all the other provinces, except the Maritime Provinces, will become part of the US. The Maritime Provinces will become independent but eventually become a part of Iceland.

Quebec separating is a possibility, but I think the most likely outcome would be a more decentralized federation.

There are some other potential border changes that could occur in the next 10-20 years (after all who would have predicted the collapse of Soviet Russia even 5 years before?)

- China could destabilize, splintering into a wrath of small states, broken along ethnic/cultural lines

- The same scenario could happen to India

- The Kashmir question could be decided, with the most likely outcome being a split that makes neither Pakistan nor India happy, leading to a renewal of hostilities

As for something a bit more unlikely, what about:

- the possibility of Ukraine splitting into east and west?

- Taiwan becoming a Chinese province? (How long can America protect them?)

- Japan regaining the small islands that Russia still controls off the coast of Kamchatka?

- America claiming a northen Canadian island in the name of ensuring passage through the North as the icecaps continue to melt?

I have a special tie to Bulgaria and have made several trips there over the years. So, call me a pessimist, but if Bulgaria and Romania are having this tough of a time making it into the EU (because of corruption and slow government reforms), I doubt that Turkey ever will.

Well, as of now, Turkey wants to, they're lobbying hard, but France is blocking them (a single no vote can stop the process), so Turkey needs to convince France (and, to a lesser degree, Germany). They'll never make it if they invade anyone.

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I think only one major change is possible in the near-future, and that is Quebec leaving. If that happens, then the other provincial governments will take the hint, and the Canadian union will collapse, probably peacefully. The Atlantic provinces will federate, though parts of Nova Scotia may try to join Quebec. Ontario will become an independent nation, as it already has many attributes to run its own country. The prarie provinces, or at least Alberta and Saskatchewan, will join the US as states. Nunavut will perhaps either join Quebec or form its own nation. The only wild card is British Columbia. I honestly don't know what it will do. In any case, I expect to see this happening in the next twenty years.
BC would probably be the second province to seperate. Teh problem of Western Alienation has caused many people in BC to want to seperate. I believe it was rated as the second most likely province to seperate from the rest of Canada. It could become a part of the US. It also could become an indipendant nation (and possibly try to take the Yukon and Alberta with it). The North-East is very likely to become a part of Alberta.

I agree with you on Alberta joining the US, but I am unsure about Sakatchewan. Saskatchewan is quite left-wing and would have a hard time fitting in with the rest of the US.

I agree with you on Alberta joining the US, but I am unsure about Sakatchewan. Saskatchewan is quite left-wing and would have a hard time fitting in with the rest of the US.

Most of the provinces that border the US border fairly left-leaning states, or at least left-libertarian states. Most of the hard-core conservative regions are southeast. The Pacific Northwest, in particular, is known for being pretty left-leaning, at least socially.

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Korean reunification is inevitable and it will happen within 20 years.

There is a wee bit of a chance that Pakistan may collapse with Balochistan seceding and Afghanistan reclaiming what is legally theirs (NWFP and FATA pushtun areas) since Durrand treaty has lapsed.

But above all, I would like to see a free Tibet.

The Tibetan cause is the most legitimate and ironically the least supported causes of all causes currently in the world.

It seems strange to me to think of Canada fracturing. I'll admit, the liberal-conservative divide seems to be increasing in tension, but that hardly seems to be reason for mass secession. If it does happen, though, I hope it's done peacefully, and I'll welcome any Canadians that wish to joing the US with open arms- we could use some more liberal states. I'll probably be rather irritated by the messy borders this would cause, though.

My own list:

- Chechnya. I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned; this little chunk of Russia has been revolting for a while now. It's symptomatic, I think, of continuing tensions after the collapse of the USSR. Russia's big, and may be able to crush Chechnya revolters, but rebels have an annoying habit of popping up, shooting, and falling back until you're forced to give up.

- Quebec. I don't think the chances of Quebec splitting off are very high, as votes to secede have failed in all previous attempts, but there's still a possibility. Hopefully, this would be peaceful.

- Fractured Iraq. A rather high possibility, although the risk decreases each time the federal constitution makes an advance. Others here have greater knowledge of what the aftermath would be than I.

- Federal Europe. I don't think it's as far-fetched as some think. Western Europe has been tied closely together for the last 60 years, and Eastern Europe is quickly joining the fold. The language divide isn't really that great- I have a German foreign exchange student in my class who speaks German (obviously), English, and French, and is thinking of going into Spanish. With the growing use of English, I think that Europe will eventually feel united enough in culture and economy to unite politically. The main thing that strikes me is that the EU reminds me of a similar organization that covered Germany before its unification.

- Tibet. The main problem is that there's no way that China is going to peacefully let a chunk of itself go, and the PRC has a big enough army to back that up. The main advantage the Tibetans have is terrain- Tibet is a huge, mountainous plateau, and is therefore superb terrain on which to fight a guerilla war. Again, rebels have an annoying habit of popping up, plugging a few of your troops, then fading away again.

Korean reunification is inevitable and it will happen within 20 years.

There is a wee bit of a chance that Pakistan may collapse with Balochistan seceding and Afghanistan reclaiming what is legally theirs (NWFP and FATA pushtun areas) since Durrand treaty has lapsed.

But above all, I would like to see a free Tibet.

The Tibetan cause is the most legitimate and ironically the least supported causes of all causes currently in the world.
Ok, these all worl for legitimacy and arguments. But why do you see them happening?

Does Maine even border the Atlantic Provinces?


Yes, New Brunswick lies on our eastern border.

Well, as of now, Turkey wants to, they're lobbying hard, but France is blocking them (a single no vote can stop the process), so Turkey needs to convince France (and, to a lesser degree, Germany). They'll never make it if they invade anyone.

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Actually, i think Austria is the most awkward hold out.

... start lobbing mortars at eachother ...
Um ... actually, it's morter rounds opposing forces "lob at each other," not the mortors themselves. Heh! :p

HEY! catch!


/me throws a mortar at Eutrusca.


Sorry :P.

How about mortar boards? They hurt less. They can all pretend they just graduated.

HEY! catch!

/me throws a mortar at Eutrusca.

Sorry :P.
[ catches it, grabs you by the scruff of your neck, bends you over, and stuffs it up your fourth point of contact! ] There. All better! :D

How about mortar boards? They hurt less. They can all pretend they just graduated.
Pelted to death by mortarboards? What an ignominious end! :eek:

[ catches it, grabs you by the scruff of your neck, bends you over, and stuffs it up your fourth point of contact! ] There. All better! :D


Important lesson: NEVER joke about mortar shells to a vet. *ouch*

Important lesson: NEVER joke about mortar shells to a vet. *ouch*
Hehehe! You are on the true path of wisdom, Grasshopper! :D

BC would probably be the second province to seperate. Teh problem of Western Alienation has caused many people in BC to want to seperate. I believe it was rated as the second most likely province to seperate from the rest of Canada. It could become a part of the US. It also could become an indipendant nation (and possibly try to take the Yukon and Alberta with it). The North-East is very likely to become a part of Alberta.
BC could sustain itself on its own. It's bigger than many existing nations, has plenty of resources, and can sustain itself by its burgeoing trade with Asia.
I agree with you on Alberta joining the US, but I am unsure about Sakatchewan. Saskatchewan is quite left-wing and would have a hard time fitting in with the rest of the US.
It's all in cycles. In any case, Saskatchewan is very close socially to the US.

Um ... actually, it's morter rounds opposing forces "lob at each other," not the mortors themselves. Heh! :p

If ya wanna be tecnhical, its mortor shells, but whatever, lol ;)

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BC could sustain itself on its own. It's bigger than many existing nations, has plenty of resources, and can sustain itself by its burgeoing trade with Asia.

It's all in cycles. In any case, Saskatchewan is very close socially to the US.


OK, Canada, we'll trade you. We get Saskatchewan, you get New England.

[ catches it, grabs you by the scruff of your neck, bends you over, and stuffs it up your fourth point of contact! ] There. All better! :D


How did you know I like that sort of thing?

you must be a kindred spirit :wink: :wink:

Wanna come to my room?

:P

OK, Canada, we'll trade you. We get Saskatchewan, you get New England.

No, no, no, you have to give them the south east. Let them wrangle Roberston, Dobson, Bauer, and the rest for awhile.


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I don't think a Federal Europe will be sustainable. It will eventually collapse because its economic model is nonsense, and there is no real will in the people for unity. All the initiative comes from above, from Brussels. Politically stable federations come from the people, not from unelectable wannabes wishing to impose a model of government. Common loyalties (of which I've seen no evidence) are also necessary.

Australia is an example of a stable, sustainable federation, the act of Federation was popular, and given approval by the people, and there are common loyalties. There was also the idea of strength through unity, that by uniting, Australia could defend itself from foreign threats. Today, most threats are internal, especially in Western Europe. Eastern and Central Europe won't accept the "social" models of the West (how is a model that makes disincentive, increases unemployment, and crime, and dependence, "social"? Sounds more anti-social to me). Western Europe won't accept the low-taxing, low regulation model of the Centre and East, and that means stagnation in the West.

I don't think a Federal Europe will be sustainable. It will eventually collapse because its economic model is nonsense, and there is no real will in the people for unity.
In the short term, I'd agree. The governments will continue to work together closely, but any attempts at unification will have to wait for some time yet.

How is a model that makes disincentive, increases unemployment, and crime, and dependence, "social"? Sounds more anti-social to me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordoliberalism

A Free Tibet!

If we follow facts to their logical conclusion, it's only inevitable that our century will see The North Atlantic Rebel Alliance of Greenland, Québec, Scotland, and Euskadi. Cataluña and Texas will grow jealous and try to join, but their entry will be denied.

The Galapagos Islands will secede from Ecuador, its people having developed into a new culture distinct from that of the mainland.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic will invade each other counterclockwise, take over each others' country, and realize in embarrassment that they have switched positions.

The Middle East and Indian subcontinent will secede from Asia.

The United Nations will create a minority homeland called Ethniklashistan (http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28369).

And ninjas will continue fighting pirates until the end of time.

No, no, no, you have to give them the south east. Let them wrangle Roberston, Dobson, Bauer, and the rest for awhile.


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If you send Celine Dion to the south east, Robertson, Bauer, and Dobson will cease to be problems. Celine Dion is Canada's version of Biological Weapons.

A Free Tibet!
I'll take it! *uses to the nearest phone booth* China, I got something you want. *pause* That's right all the tea.

I'll take it! *uses to the nearest phone booth* China, I got something you want. *pause* That's right all the tea.

VERY nice! Ah, Peter Griffin.

Getting back to the original question, all we have to do is wait a decade or so and allow the rising seas to do it for us.