A Goodreads user asked Roderick Vincent:

Based on the research and thinking you did in preparation for writing 'The Cause', what do you consider the possibility of balkanization and breakup of the U.S. in our future, especially if there were the kind of economic collapse which you write about happening?

Roderick Vincent Hi Billy, thanks for your question. It's an interesting one. I think there is zero chance for the breakup of the U.S. in our future. However, I would predict some states might again try succession. In the scenario of a massive economic collapse, where one state is essentially paying for the mistakes of another, the succession question will probably rise again. The most likely candidate would of course be Texas, as Texas itself is a surplus state, has a certain number of petitions signed already, and associate themselves more with the state than the country in a lot of cases. Assuming the popular momentum and political backing to succeed, I would predict resistance from the U.S. government. The question of succession was answered pretty firmly after the Civil War (it won't be tolerated). However, the pressure might cause states to gain more independence in how they manage things, which seems to align more with the Constitution's original intention. Federal dollars nowadays are used to bend the state's will in a lot of cases. I wouldn't be surprised to see that change in the near future. So I see a political solution first. If it ever came down to armed resistance, God forbid, I think the U.S. government would get aggressive unfortunately, and I believe the campaign would begin with vilification through the media before the next unthinkable steps would be taken. Thanks again for your question!

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