I want to break free – Matt Qvortrup in conversation at Blackwell's Manchester

Join Blackwell’s for the launch of Matt Qvortrup’s I want to break free. Based on the author’s personal experiences as a political advisor, it’s a practical, step-by-step guide for would-be creators of new states and outlines the legal, political and economic processes that need to be taken to make a new country.

Are you fed up with the divided and unequal society or suffocating laws and regulations of the country where you live? Ever dreamed of starting your own country or just want to understand how that happens?

In this refreshing new book, Matt Qvortrup provides a step-by-step guide to forming an independent country, from organising a referendum and winning it, to receiving official international recognition, establishing a currency, and even entering the Eurovision song contest. The book delves into the legal, economic, and political problems of creating new states, and uses historical examples and anecdotes from all over the world to illustrate the obstacles to these campaigns. Qvortrup recounts his globetrotting experiences as an expert consultant on referendums to give a no-nonsense explanation of the many hurdles and barriers, as well as the opportunities for those who want to break free.

Doors: 18.30, event starts: 18.45 Tickets are £3.00 or free when pre-ordering a copy of the book. I want to break free will also be available to purchase on the night and Matt and will be signing copies after the talk. If you would like a signed copy but cannot make the event, please contact us on 0161 274 3331 or manchester@blackwell.co.uk and we can arrange this for you. Speakers: Matt Qvortrup is Professor of Political Science at Coventry University. Dr Paul Anderson is senior lecturer in Politics at Liverpool John Moores University. A specialist in territorial politics, Paul’s research focuses on the Scottish and Catalan independence movements. His forthcoming monograph on the territorial politics of Catalonia and Scotland will be published by Manchester University Press in 2023.