ABSTRACT
The most important analytical property for the study of the prerequisites of unification seems to be the degree of heterogeneity of the member units. In fine, there are some reasons to believe that economic heterogeneity enhances unification and some evidence that similarity of economic production enhances it. Regarding internal political structures, the variance is even greater. There are homogeneous unions; all the members of the East European union, for instance, are Communist countries though there are significant differences in degree of de-Stalin-ization. In sum, the statement that heterogeneity is inversely related to unification is much too simple to be tested, let alone to be held as valid. The role of homogeneity is to be examined in the preunification stage, to determine to what degree it is required as a prerequisite. Long association with statehood and nationalism and its lack has therefore become an expression and symbol of division are the major frame of political identification.
