[Non-Sequitur]

Built into this is the assumption that violence need follow separation. There are examples of peaceful secession, though not many.

Can you name an instance of peaceful secession where one party acted in a unilateral manner? Without the agreement of both parties then you are guaranteeing conflict.

[Huck]

This is great fun. I almost miss it some times. At least I don't have to check my notes much anymore.

[Gianni]

Can you name an instance of peaceful secession where one party acted in a unilateral manner?

The former Soviet republics, the Czech and Slovak republics. Granted, the centralized power which could have coerced them to return was in collapse during the time.