Following Spain’s transition to democracy in the 1970s, Catalan nationalism was marked by moderation, caution and gradual progress. In a longer perspective, the Catalan movement has eschewed separatism in favour of a plurinational and decentralised vision of Spain, itself anchored in Europe.What, then, explains the polarisation of the last few years and the confrontation … [Read more...] about Rethinking the right to self-determination
Catalonia
What Catalonia can learn from Scotland
I was in the Scottish capital Edinburgh, an elegant, relaxed , welcoming world heritage city, earlier this week and was struck by the peacefulness and civility of Scotland’s devolutionary process compared to the shambles that has come to characterize the Catalan issue in Spain.In the impressively located and historic Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most popular tourist … [Read more...] about What Catalonia can learn from Scotland
High price of crushing Catalonian indy dreams
Europe has had a rocky ride with referendums in recent years: think of Greece’s anti-austerity vote in 2015, or the Brexit shock and Italy’s failed constitutional referendum in December 2016.As the UK found with the 2014 Scottish independence vote, even holding a referendum at all can be highly destabilising to the traditional political order and political party … [Read more...] about High price of crushing Catalonian indy dreams