Story idea: A Balkanized United States

[LongTomH]

There's an interesting thread in GD, inspired by the Scottish independence vote: If the US had a vote to split into Red America and Blue America, how would you vote? There have been science fiction and alternate history stories set in a Balkanized America.

It's an improbable scenario, of course; but, it can make for interesting story possibilities. One possibility for such stories would be the issue of the cities which are islands of 'blue' in the middle of red states. EX: Austin, TX and Lawrence, KS.

You might develop the story with the idea that these cities would become, effectively, independent city-states. Such a concept in a modern world is, of course, unworkable; but, you might develop a scenario where it could work.

Maybe a world where these blue city-states use local, green energy and have their own manufacturing, possibly based on 3D-printing or nanotechnology. Travel through red areas would probably be by air or along specified corridors.

If you use the idea, you've got to split the royalties with me for giving you the idea.

[Telcontar]

1. RAH's "Friday"

The US broke up into: California Confederacy (California, Oregon, Washinton, and maybe Idaho), Nevada Free State, Deseret, Texas (Texas, Oklahoma, parts of Louisiana), the Atlantic Union (New England), and my personal favorite: the Chicago Imperium (most of the upper midwest).

Canada consisted of British Canada, Quebec, and the Atlantic states.

North Mexico was a kingdom.

[Quemado]

2. This scenario is not improbable

OP was written before anyone suspected that Trump would run for President, get voted in, and started to divide the country.

The country is not balkanized per se. However, there is a rift between urban America and rural America.

[qazplm135]

3. Here is my proposal

split US in two at the Mississippi. Draw lots for who gets the East and who gets the West.

Then you would have a conservative/Republican side and a liberal/Democratic side.

Then give it a year. Allow fairly open borders and easy change in citizenship for at least 10 years after to allow folks to see which country they want to be a part of.