Catalonia: The Struggle Over Independence
Located in north eastern Spain, Catalonia has long displayed the attributes of a nation: distinct language and culture, separate social and political institutions, and a strong collective identity. At the same time, it is one of Spain's centres of economic dynamism and innovation. As such, it is an especially striking instance of what has come to be known as 'minority' or 'internal' nations within a larger political order.

Even after the Franco dictatorship's systematic suppression of Catalan language and culture, the idea that the Catalan nation needed to have an independent state of its own remained at the margins of Catalan politics. Yet, in recent years Catalan independence has become: the formal objective of Catalonia's nationalist parties; the focus of a strongly mobilized social movement; and the primary option of as much as half of Catalonia's electorate. This drive to independence even led to a failed unilateral declaration of independence. How can this remarkable transformation best be explained and what does it portend for the future of Catalonia and Spain? This new edition seeks to answer these questions.

At the same time, the book analyzes the proposal for an independent Catalan state while also showing how the Catalan question might be resolved within Spain, by creating a multinational federation. It also explains why there is little prospect of either project coming to pass.

The book demonstrates the dangers and contradictions of a state nationalism that denies the very existence of internal nations, while also exploring the terms under which such nations can be accommodated within a larger political order. On this basis, it addresses a critical challenge to the political institutions of much of Europe and North America.
1140118137
Catalonia: The Struggle Over Independence
Located in north eastern Spain, Catalonia has long displayed the attributes of a nation: distinct language and culture, separate social and political institutions, and a strong collective identity. At the same time, it is one of Spain's centres of economic dynamism and innovation. As such, it is an especially striking instance of what has come to be known as 'minority' or 'internal' nations within a larger political order.

Even after the Franco dictatorship's systematic suppression of Catalan language and culture, the idea that the Catalan nation needed to have an independent state of its own remained at the margins of Catalan politics. Yet, in recent years Catalan independence has become: the formal objective of Catalonia's nationalist parties; the focus of a strongly mobilized social movement; and the primary option of as much as half of Catalonia's electorate. This drive to independence even led to a failed unilateral declaration of independence. How can this remarkable transformation best be explained and what does it portend for the future of Catalonia and Spain? This new edition seeks to answer these questions.

At the same time, the book analyzes the proposal for an independent Catalan state while also showing how the Catalan question might be resolved within Spain, by creating a multinational federation. It also explains why there is little prospect of either project coming to pass.

The book demonstrates the dangers and contradictions of a state nationalism that denies the very existence of internal nations, while also exploring the terms under which such nations can be accommodated within a larger political order. On this basis, it addresses a critical challenge to the political institutions of much of Europe and North America.
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Catalonia: The Struggle Over Independence

Catalonia: The Struggle Over Independence

by Kenneth McRoberts
Catalonia: The Struggle Over Independence

Catalonia: The Struggle Over Independence

by Kenneth McRoberts

Paperback(2nd ed.)

$39.99 
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Overview

Located in north eastern Spain, Catalonia has long displayed the attributes of a nation: distinct language and culture, separate social and political institutions, and a strong collective identity. At the same time, it is one of Spain's centres of economic dynamism and innovation. As such, it is an especially striking instance of what has come to be known as 'minority' or 'internal' nations within a larger political order.

Even after the Franco dictatorship's systematic suppression of Catalan language and culture, the idea that the Catalan nation needed to have an independent state of its own remained at the margins of Catalan politics. Yet, in recent years Catalan independence has become: the formal objective of Catalonia's nationalist parties; the focus of a strongly mobilized social movement; and the primary option of as much as half of Catalonia's electorate. This drive to independence even led to a failed unilateral declaration of independence. How can this remarkable transformation best be explained and what does it portend for the future of Catalonia and Spain? This new edition seeks to answer these questions.

At the same time, the book analyzes the proposal for an independent Catalan state while also showing how the Catalan question might be resolved within Spain, by creating a multinational federation. It also explains why there is little prospect of either project coming to pass.

The book demonstrates the dangers and contradictions of a state nationalism that denies the very existence of internal nations, while also exploring the terms under which such nations can be accommodated within a larger political order. On this basis, it addresses a critical challenge to the political institutions of much of Europe and North America.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780198801849
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 05/10/2022
Edition description: 2nd ed.
Pages: 384
Product dimensions: 9.00(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Kenneth McRoberts, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, York University, Canada

Kenneth McRoberts is Professor Emeritus of Political Science, York University, Toronto, Canada. His publications include Misconceiving Canada: The Struggle for National Unity, second editon (OUP Canada, 2019).

Table of Contents

IntroductionPart I: Historical Development of the Catalan Nation1. The Historical Roots of Nationhood2. The Emergence of Catalan Nationalism3. Catalonia and the Spanish StatePart Two: Nation-Building and the Struggle Over Autonomy, 1980-20104. The Transition to Democracy: Avoiding Plurinationality5. Nation-Building in an Autonomous Community6. The Break-Down of 'Nation-building without a State'Part Three: The Struggle Over Independence, 2010-20207. From 'Right to Decide' to 'Independence'8. Seeking Independence: the Procés and its Fate9. The Persisting Confrontation over Independence10. Conclusion: The Failure of Spain's Political Institutions
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