Cherán is a recognized autonomous indigenous Purepecha community in Mexico that implemented an alternative system of governance rooted in indigenous traditions and customs. Their form of government includes practices such as direct referenda for major decisions in community bonfires, an independent election system through direct democratic methods where campaigning is prohibited, and a community-run police force. To do so, the town banned any political campaigning, fully kicked out its local politicians and police, and restricted access from outsiders.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is an executive advisory commission in the US led by Elon Musk created under the Trump Administration that aims to increase efficiency in national expenditure through reducing financial waste, abolishing agencies deemed unnecessary, and downsizing the government workforce. Recently, DOGE has cancelled several government contracts reportedly valued at $10 billion, notably including the whole of USAID and and parts of the Department of Education.

In 2019, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao became the only region in the Philippines with its own government. This autonomy was established as part of a peace agreement to quell violence in the region, addressing decades of conflict and dissatisfaction between groups in the region and the national government based in Luzon. 

In comparison, the secession of Mindanao refers to the island region pursuing complete independence from the Philippines, becoming an entirely separate nation-state. In 2024, Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte publicly declared a call for the secession of the region.