Nationalism, Violence and Democracy The Basque Clash of Identities [Hardcover]

Ludger Mees offers the first comprehensive study of one of Europe's most protracted ethnic conflicts. He carefully analyzes both the historical roots of the conflict and its later growing violent dimension. Special attention is paid to the framing of a new opportunity structure during the 1990s, which facilitated the first serious, but ultimately frustrated, attempt to broker a settlement. In the light of different theoretical and comparative approaches, the reasons for the dramatic return of terrorism and the possibilities of a more successful conflict de-escalation in the near future are discussed.Introduction Why it Began: A strong Periphery within a Weak State How it Began: The Evolution of Basque Nationalism until the Civil War (1876-1939) Dictatorship and Exile: The Shape of the New Nationalism The Transition Towards Democracy and the Basque Problem Democracy, Autonomy and Violence The Times, They are A-Changing Give Peace a Chance: On the Way to the Cease-fire The End of a Dream The Basque Problem in the Age of Globalization: Old Problems, New Opportunities

'Anyone wishing to understand the 'tragedy' of Basque politics will find this book indispensable...a great merit of the book is the way that it shows that this clash of 'identities' is a throughly political rather than a cultural process...as well as the impressive scholarship, the tremendous personal courage behind this book also deserves great praise.' - John MacInnes, Scottish Affairs

'Nationalism, Violence and Democracy is an important contribution to the field of Basque studies made by a scholar with an outstanding ability to synthesize the complex history of the Basque Provinces. Mees has provided a detached, scientific and interdisciplinary explanation of the conditions leading to the Basque peace process and its aftermath...Students and researchers of ETA and radical Basque nationalism and also those interested in ethnic conflict regulation should have an interest in this lc+