Secession of the rich: A qualified defence

The secession of prosperous regions may negatively affect the redistributive scheme of an established state. As a consequence, the capacity of its welfare system to support the inhabitants of poorer regions may be significantly reduced. Some authors assert that affluent groups who opt for full political independence violate duties of solidarity. This objection to the secession of prosperous regions can be based on different views of distributive justice. Here, following a distinction that has been introduced by Allen Buchanan, subject centred' and justice as reciprocity' theories are explored. It is argued that both theories fail to support the case against the secession of wealthy groups. Subject centred' theories cannot explain special duties toward compatriots, whereas justice as reciprocity' theories cannot justify restrictions on exit rights. However, this does not mean that separatists have no moral duties vis-a-vis their (former) fellow citizens. They are obliged to dissolve the political union in a fair way, e.g., by accepting responsibility for some share of the public debts.