How to Rule Your Own Country: The weird and wonderful world of micronations

Description

Many people think they can do a better job running a country than politicians - but few actually give it a go. What happens when political disagreement pushes to the point of no return? When a person has a dream of what their ideal country would be, and then tries to create it? A place where there is no monarchy, or no taxes, or no government regulation ... There are around 130 of these countries - better known as micronations - across the globe. One third of them are in Australia. Harry Hobbs and George Williams take us into some of the most prominent and fascinating micronations around the world, including the Principality of Hutt River, the Principality of Sealand, the Republic of Minerva, the Principality of New Utopia and more. How to Rule Your Own Country is a lively account of the people who decide that 'enough is enough' and create their own nation. 'A thoughtful and entertaining insight into micronations.' - Peter FitzSimons 'Australia is a micronations mecca. Micronations emerge for reasons ranging from the silly to the serious. While they often seem frivolous, this book makes us think seriously about just what the nature of the state may be.' - Laura Tingle 'When it comes to micronations, I have for many years made a point of reading nothing that I haven't written myself. In the case of this book, I made a rare exception to that rule, and I'm glad I did. Harry Hobbs and George Williams have written a fascinating insight into micronations around the world. You should read it too.' - Georgivs II, Imperator et Primvs Inter Pares, Empire of Atlantium 'An accessible and entertaining read.' - The Guardian Australia

Harry Hobbs is a Senior Lecturer in the Law Faculty at UTS. Harry has written for Inside Story, Guardian Australia, The Conversation, as well as The Australian and the Sydney Morning Herald. George Williams AO is the Anthony Mason Professor, and a Scientia Professor at UNSW Law, as well as Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNSW. He has published many books with UNSW Press, including, with co-author Megan Davis, Everything You Need to Know about the Referendum to Recognise Indigenous Australians and Everything You Need to Know about the Uluru Statement from the Heart.