POLI 371 Study Guide - Final Guide: Bermeo, Spurn, Protecting Group
19 Jan 2016
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Document Summary
Bermeo discusses theories of federalism, and the supposed weaknesses of federalist systems. Much research has been dedicated to demonstrating a link between the separation of groups by regions within a state, and the potential this divisive nature may have for furthering tensions between these groups. A system of institutions making policies specific to individual groups is then under attack as a way to promote cleavages between ethnic groups within state boundaries. These theories are furthered that separatist views will be promoted by increasing the division of power between groups who wish to further their own interests. Bermeo suggests however that these divisions are not due to federalism but rather other factors which federalism can ameliorate. Instability and unitary regimes are the common threads in states which have separatist actors working within them. Unitary regimes create a common narrative of people with diverse backgrounds and interests.
