  We begin by explicating a recent proof of the cluster decomposition principle
in AdS_{d+1} from the CFT_d bootstrap in d > 2. The CFT argument also computes
the leading interactions between distant objects in AdS, and we confirm the
universal agreement between the CFT bootstrap and AdS gravity in the
semi-classical limit. We proceed to study the generalization to 2d CFTs, which
requires knowledge of the Virasoro conformal blocks in a lightcone OPE limit.
We compute these blocks in a semiclassical, large central charge approximation,
and use them to prove a suitably modified theorem. In particular, from the 2d
bootstrap we prove the existence of large spin operators with fixed 'anomalous
dimensions' indicative of the presence of deficit angles in AdS_3. As we
approach the threshold for the BTZ black hole, interpreted as a CFT scaling
dimension, the twist spectrum of large spin operators becomes dense. Due to the
exchange of the Virasoro identity block, primary states above the BTZ threshold
mimic a thermal background for light operators. We derive the BTZ quasi-normal
modes, and we use the bootstrap equation to prove that the twist spectrum is
dense. Corrections to thermality could be obtained from a more refined
computation of the Virasoro conformal blocks.
