A "secessionist" is a person or group that advocates for the separation of a region or state from a larger political entity, such as a country. This movement often arises from a desire for greater autonomy, cultural identity, or political independence. Secessionists may seek to establish a new government or join another existing one. Historically, secessionist movements have occurred in various parts of the world, such as the American Civil War, where the Southern states attempted to secede from the United States. Other examples include the Quebec sovereignty movement in Canada and the Catalan independence movement in Spain, both seeking greater self-determination.