Spain
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Opinion: Catalonia’s intractable separatist conundrum
The Catalan crisis in Spain drags on: the population in the region is split over the question of independence, with no end to the deadlock in sight. And while Madrid officially opposes secession, the current national government relies on the votes of separatist parties to maintain power. To avoid a military blockade, a new decentralization formula will have to be found.
An ideological exercise in Spain
From his first moves, Spain's new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez looks less like a self-confident democrat and more like an old-line state interventionist intent on consolidating power.
New Spanish government’s strong start could strengthen EU
Spanish conservatives have managed to restore economic growth, but the shortcomings of Mariano Rajoy’s governing style and a corruption scandal have created an opening for their main rivals to take power. Thus far, socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is off to a surprisingly strong start.
Opinion: Separatism in Europe
Independence movements are on the rise in Europe. At the heart of this phenomenon is an ever-globalizing world, bringing with it inflows of foreigners and an outflow of traditional industries. Most of these movements have set aside violent measures in recent years, but there is no guarantee that will continue. ...
Catalonia and why secession movements fail
Catalonia’s attempt to win independence failed due to resolute action by the central government and poor leadership in Barcelona. The case shows that when clumsy local politicians fail to consider economic consequences and propose drastic changes to the welfare state, support for independence crumbles. The future of secession movements in ...
