ABSTRACT
Inequality, disadvantage or deprivation appear in two forms in secessionist situations: as absolute-cumulative, that is, as inequality in all conceivable spheres, and as marginal and relative. An in-between case also exists. This is when a group is the most privileged in a state with the exception of the group at the Centre, as with the Tigrinyas of Ethiopia, in the provinces of Tigray and Eritrea. Marginal or relative disadvantage (when there is preponderance in some areas and not in others) amounts to rank disequilibrium. Note, however, that to date no absolute topdogs, or topdogs only with regard to culture and central political power, not even those in a numerical minority, have developed into active secessionists.
