Vermont Institute of Separatist Thought

About the Institute

Established in 2026, the Vermont Institute of Separatist Thought (VIST) is a pioneering research organization dedicated to the rigorous, interdisciplinary study of separatism in all its forms.

Our Mission & Vision

In an era of increasing political polarization and centralization, VIST serves as a hub for critical inquiry into alternative models of governance, community sovereignty, and self-determination. Our work examines both historical and contemporary separatist movements, analyzing their philosophical foundations, political strategies, and socioeconomic implications.

We believe that understanding separatism is essential to comprehending the future of political organization in the 21st century. Our research spans multiple disciplines including political theory, sociology, economics, anthropology, and legal studies.

Through publications, conferences, and public engagement, VIST aims to foster informed discourse on autonomy, decentralization, and the right to self-determination in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Research Areas

Our interdisciplinary research program explores separatism through multiple lenses, with particular focus on emerging trends in the 2020s.

Political Separatism

Examination of movements seeking political independence or increased autonomy within existing state structures. Analysis of constitutional frameworks, international law, and case studies from 2020-2026.

Cultural Autonomy

Study of efforts to preserve distinct cultural identities, languages, and traditions within larger political entities. Research includes indigenous sovereignty movements and diasporic communities.

Economic Decentralization

Analysis of alternative economic models that enable greater local control, including community currencies, cooperative enterprises, and regional trade networks as forms of economic separatism.

Digital Sovereignty

Emerging research on how digital technologies both enable and challenge separatist movements, including cryptocurrency, decentralized networks, and virtual communities as new frontiers of autonomy.

Recent Publications

Our scholarly work includes monographs, journal articles, and policy papers that contribute to the academic understanding of separatism.

VIST
2026

The New Separatism: Autonomy Movements in the 2020s

March 2026 | Dr. Eleanor Vance | Monograph

This comprehensive study analyzes the resurgence of separatist movements globally from 2020-2026, examining the socioeconomic and technological factors driving demands for greater autonomy in an increasingly interconnected world.

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VIST
2026

Decentralized Futures: Blockchain and Political Autonomy

January 2026 | Dr. Marcus Thorne | Journal Article

Exploring how distributed ledger technologies are enabling new forms of economic and political organization that challenge traditional state sovereignty, with case studies from digital communities established 2023-2026.

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VIST
2025

Vermont's Legacy of Independence: Historical Perspectives

November 2025 | Dr. Sarah Chen | Policy Paper

Examining Vermont's unique history as an independent republic (1777-1791) and how this legacy informs contemporary discussions about state sovereignty, local governance, and regional identity in New England.

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Upcoming Events 2026

Join us for conferences, workshops, and public lectures exploring separatism in theory and practice.

15 May

Annual Conference: Separatism in the Digital Age

Location: VIST Main Campus, Burlington, Vermont

Our flagship conference brings together scholars, policymakers, and activists to examine how digital technologies are transforming separatist movements. Featuring keynote speakers from academia and digital autonomy projects worldwide.

22 Jul

Summer Symposium: Economic Autonomy Models

Location: VIST Research Center, Montpelier, Vermont

An intensive workshop exploring alternative economic systems that support community sovereignty, with case studies from cooperative networks, local currencies, and resource-sharing initiatives established 2024-2026.

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10 Oct

Public Lecture Series: The Future of Self-Determination

Location: Virtual & In-Person at VIST Campus

A monthly lecture series featuring prominent thinkers on autonomy, sovereignty, and governance. October's lecture will focus on indigenous sovereignty movements and their implications for international law in 2026.

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Our Research Team

VIST brings together scholars from diverse disciplines united by their commitment to rigorous, impartial research on separatism.

Dr. Eleanor Vance

Director of Research

Political theorist specializing in autonomy movements and federal systems. Ph.D. from Yale University.

Dr. Marcus Thorne

Lead Economist

Expert in decentralized economic systems and alternative currencies. Former IMF researcher.

Dr. Sarah Chen

Senior Historian

Vermont history specialist with focus on independence movements. Author of three award-winning books.

Dr. Jonathan Reed

Legal Scholar

International law expert focusing on self-determination and sovereignty in the 21st century.

Contact Us

Interested in our research, events, or collaboration opportunities? Get in touch with our team.

Vermont Institute of Separatist Thought

As an independent research institute founded in 2026, we welcome inquiries from scholars, students, policymakers, and journalists interested in the study of separatism and autonomous governance.

Main Campus

123 Independence Way, Burlington, VT 05401

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(802) 555-2026

Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm EST