  An accepted model for magnetospheric substorms is proposed as the basis for a
generic model for magnetic explosions, and is applied to solar flares. The
model involves widely separated energy-release and particle-acceleration
regions, with energy transported Alfv\'enically between them. On a global
scale, these regions are coupled by a large-scale current that is set up during
the explosion by redirection of pre-existing current associated with the stored
magnetic energy. The explosion-related current is driven by an electromotive
force (EMF) due to the changing magnetic flux enclosed by this current. The
current path and the EMF are identified for an idealized quadrupolar model for
a flare.
