Conflicts between central governments and regional or ethnic groups over the right to self-govern.
Local authorities are increasingly defying centralized rule, demanding greater autonomy, resisting federal oversight, and asserting control over regional affairs. These internal struggles are reshaping the balance of power within states and putting the cohesion of modern nationhood to the test.
From the oil-rich Niger Delta to the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan and the mines of eastern Congo, competition over land, water, and minerals is fueling regional conflicts and challenging central authority.
From Europe to the Middle East, ethnic and regional groups are pushing for autonomy or secession, challenging national borders and reshaping both domestic politics and global diplomacy.
From climate diplomacy to global markets, the world’s major cities have established themselves as influential global actors. They pursue independent agendas, build cross-border alliances, and increasingly challenge the authority of nation-states.
Traditional governance rooted in tribal, religious, or historical identity is gaining new momentum in some regions, challenging the dominance of modern state institutions.