Political unity is often a tool used by the state to increase its power at the expense of individual freedom. While unity may seem appealing, historical patterns demonstrate that true freedom cannot coexist with enforced political unity.
1. Concept of Political Unity:
• Political unity is a common theme in politics that suggests harmony among citizens.
• Politicians often promote themselves as "units" rather than "dividers" to gain support.
• Historically, opposition to unity has sometimes been labeled as treason.
2. Historical Context:
• Since the rise of nationalism in the 18th century, proponents of unity frequently pushed for strong national states, often disregarding minority rights.
• Examples include the nationalists of Italy and Germany, as well as the Soviet regime, all of whom emphasized unity while suppressing individual liberties.
3. The U. S. Experience:
• The U. S. has become increasingly unified since the Civil War, with a shift toward a stronger central government.
• This trend has often weakened local autonomy and laid the groundwork for diminishing personal freedoms.
• Unity can be effective in smaller, homogenous communities but often requires coercion as states grow larger and more diverse.
4. Illusion of Unity in the 20th Century:
• Nostalgia for a perceived unified America refers primarily to the mid-20th century when a narrow ideological consensus prevailed, reinforced by media and government messaging.
• This "consensus" masked dissenting opinions and limited true freedom of thought, leading to an illusion of unity.
5. Breakdown of Consensus:
• The liberal consensus of the 20th century began to fade in the late 1970s due to economic and political shifts, exposing the limitations of state power.
• Recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have further eroded public trust in governments and institutions, revealing ideological divides.
6. Current Political Climate:
• As political divides deepen, states may resist federal commands on various issues using local laws.
• This resistance could lead to greater demands for federal power to enforce compliance and unity.
• Political leaders will likely pivot between demands for unity depending on which party holds power.
The pursuit of political unity often encroaches on individual freedoms and historical experiences demonstrate that, in an increasingly centralized state, calls for unity lead to greater governmental control. True freedom may require embracing disunity, division, and even secession as a means to preserve individual autonomy from state imposition.
https://mises.org/mises-wire/we-can-have-unity-or-we-can-have-freedom-we-cant-have-both
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