The fundamental difference is that states and towns generally are not ethnocentric. Nations usually are. Germany in the EU with open migration may possibly pre

The fundamental difference is that states and towns generally are not ethnocentric. Nations usually are. Germany in the EU with open migration may possibly present an existential challenge to the nature of what Germany is in the long term. Some people don't care, some people want that, some are against it. Whereas making SF Bay area '1 city' would be a matter of pragmatism, not much more. Also - there's actually scant evidence that federalization is better for everyone in the long run, it depends a lot on many things. I actually believe the EEC with slightly better rules for movement would be fundamentally better than the EU - even in raw economic terms. But that Bay Area - with the right leadership - would be better off.