Belgium has divided and decentralized itself almost out of existence

Belgium is no longer a nation-state in any functional sense, but rather a 'federation' of three different regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Greater Brussels) and of three different 'linguistic communities' (Dutch, French and German).

'Belgium' is now, arguably, just an intermediate stage on the way to a regularly predicted and yet never fully realised political separation.

So how, exactly, has it come so close to the point of simply ceasing to exist?

ESO: Background information: Brussels attacks: Zaventem and Maelbeek bombs kill many / Terror hits the capital of Europe http://www.europeansources.info/record/brussels-attacks-zaventem-and-maelbeek-bombs-kill-many-terror-hits-the-capital-of-europe/

Euro|Topics: Debates, March 2016: Belgium in a state of unrest after attacks http://www.eurotopics.net/en/156379/belgium-in-a-state-of-unrest-after-attacks

ESO: Background information: Brussels connection under spotlight after Paris killings http://www.europeansources.info/record/brussels-connection-under-spotlight-after-paris-killings/

ESO: Background information: Flemish nationalists break cover on Belgium’s future http://www.europeansources.info/record/flemish-nationalists-break-cover-on-belgiums-future/

ESO: Background information: What’s next for Belgium http://www.europeansources.info/record/whats-next-for-belgium/

Politico, 19.11.15: [Opinion]: Belgium is a failed state http://www.politico.eu/article/belgium-failed-state-security-services-molenbeek-terrorism/

Euro|Topics: Debates, March 2016: Has the Belgian state failed? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/156379/has-the-belgian-state-failed

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