The chapter is structured as follows: I. Interpretative categories I.1 Dividing without partitioning I.2 Applied forms of partitions I.3 The fragility of terminology II. The attractiveness of partition II.1 The interaction of statehood and nationhood II.2 Equality and inequality in partitioning processes II.3 Multiplying states or the attractiveness of purity II.4 Political destinies of partition III Challenges for a changing world III.1 Partition and democracy III.2 Sharing differnces and secularizing relationships III.3 Sovereignty reshaped III.4 From naton-states to networking societies III.5 Recasting statehood: the European challenge Notes