Separatism — the Main Threat for Internal Security

This article is devoted to separatism as a global phenomenon of modern times. Separatism is considered a large-scale phenomenon of the present, which can cause irreparable consequences for state independence. The concept of separatism is analysed in accordance with different dictionaries that interpret this phenomenon. The concept of separatism is analysed using the comparative method, namely, separatism is compared with the solar system. The main types of separatism are analysed, depending of the region, country and the sphere of its expression. Examples of each of them are given in the article. If we consider separatism as a movement or a process that wants to separate from the state, then, depending on the purpose, the following forms of separatism are distinguished: secession, irredentism, and devolution. The positions of the representatives of the scientific world community about secession are highlighted, its main advantages and disadvantages are revealed. The article highlights the interesting positions of scientists who consider separatism as a positive phenomenon in the process of nation-building. As an example of irredentism, the situation with the Crimea is described. Crimea was an autonomous region within the nation of Ukraine until March 2014 after a shady referendum it was taken over by the Russian police.