Catalonia: A New Independent State in Europe?: A Debate on Secession within the European Union

by Xavier Cuadras Morató (Editor)

Overview

Catalonia: A New Independent State in Europe examines the main issues of the political process which is taking place in Catalonia today. The political confrontation between the Spanish and Catalan institutions has now reached the international arena, especially the debates concerning international recognition of a new Catalan state and its membership of the European Union (EU) and other international institutions.

There are no precedents for the secession of a region from an EU member country that could be applied to the case of Catalonia. Therefore, it is not surprising that the world has many unanswered question about the process. This volume aims to provide answers to many of these questions in a systematic and rigorous way. Why has the political scenario in Catalonia changed so radically and so rapidly? Is this new situation only temporary and support for independence is likely to vanish very soon? What role has the deep economic crisis in Catalonia and in Spain played in the process? Is a potential new Catalan state economically viable? Which are the main legal controversies about self-determination and independence between the Spanish and Catalan institutions? Would an independent Catalonia be a member of the EU?

This book will be of great use to academics and students in the field of politics and international relations, particularly those interested in European economic and political studies. It will also interest a wide segment of general readers interested in contemporary political issues.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138386419
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/14/2020
Series:	Europa Country Perspectives
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Xavier Cuadras Morató is Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Business at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and Director of the International Business School (ESCI-UPF). He has a Ph. D. in Economics from the University of York (United Kingdom). He has held visiting positions in the University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, Universidad Centroamericana (Nicaragua) and the Escuela Superior de Economía y Negocios (El Salvador).

His recent research interests include the relationship between education and the labour market and the economic consequences of the political conflict between Catalonia and Spain.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations vi

List of contributors viii

Abbreviations ix

1 Introduction: Catalonia, a new state in Europe? Xavier Cuadras-Morató 1

2 Catalonia at the crossroads: Analysis of the increasing support for secession Marc Guinjoan Toni Rodon 20

3 Negotiations and political strategies in the contest for Catalan independence Enriqueta Aragones Clara Ponsati 622

4 The morality of secession: Secessionist and antisecessionist arguments in the Catalan case Marc Sanjaume-Calvet 82

5 The secession of Catalonia: Legal strategies and barriers Pau Bossacoma Hèctor López Bofill 107

6 The economic debate: Opportunities and threats from independence Xavier Cuadras-Morató 149

7 An independent Catalonia as a member state of the European Union? Terra ignota Fernando Guirao 189

Index 224