What Would an Independent Republic of Texas Look Like?

Texas governor and former presidential candidate, Rick Perry, has been known to suggest that independence from the United States might be a favorable option. NPR correspondent, John Burnett, recruits scholars, diplomats and journalists to play along with a thought experiment.

"Texas: Now it is a whole other country - and it's open for business ... C'mon over. Be part of our vibrant free-market nation," a radio ad by the Texas Association of Business might tout. Low taxes, free trade and minimal regulations would be promoted to entice business to world's 15th largest economy.

Political scientist, Cal Jillson, describes foreign-owned plants populating the Texas job market. Immigration reform might allow immigrant workers to travel freely between countries for jobs. Burnett points out that "Texas might see itself as culturally akin to its former fatherland, but as time goes on, the nation's destiny would be determined by its genetic ties to the south."

Within a single generation Texas could easily shift to a predominantly Hispanic demographic, resembling a new Latin American nation more than a rogue frontier cowboy state.

Thanks to Jessica Brent