ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. Each of the case studies noted in the preceding chapters illustrates the point about grievance, with most reflecting, at some point, grievances of the most serious kind, as well as associated lesser grievances. In each of the case studies, self-identifying groups had been excluded from equal and consistent rules of law as full state citizens. Regardless of ideological orientation, there remain common themes among separatist movements and characteristics that are common across many, perhaps most, of them. Where a separatist movement has the opportunity for sanctuary in a neighbouring country, the state from which they seek to separate is more limited in its capacity to pursue them. Usually, as demonstrated by the case studies, the territory will be either the 'homeland' of the group in question or be the claimed homeland, perhaps based on some historical or other irredentist claim.
