Master-Arbeit Univ. St. Gallen, 2004.

This diploma thesis deals with the topic of Catalonia and its position in the Kingdom of Spain. The thesis covers especially the actual role and position of Catalonia as a Spanish region, but it also focuses on the imminent future of Catalonia, mainly on the currently discussed question of the Catalan independence. It means that the thesis offers a variety of scenarios of the future evolution of the Catalan independence process, denoting particularly the possibilities of a status quo or a new way to its independence.

Univ., Diss.--Kiel, 2004.

The subject of research of this presented diploma thesis is the evaluation of the factors that influence the genesis of nationalist aspirations and separatist tendencies on two scale levels: the level of Spanish Autonomous Communities, and between comarcas in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Emphasis is placed primarily on the differentiation between the influence of economic aspirations and ethno-national identity. On the theoretical level, the thesis discusses approaches to nationalism, its typology, resources and activation, as well as the development of social organization and the asymmetrical division of powers in Spain. For the purposes of analysis, two indicators of intensity of expressed nationalism are used - constitutional preference and voting behavior - and then each are tested in relation to socio-economic characteristics, ethno-cultural manifestations, or relevant demographic characteristics. The thesis also evaluates the system of set fiscal redistribution between regions and central government.

Diploma thesis is about Padania (i.e. north regions of Italy) and about its position within Italy. Thesis will mainly focus on comparison of social, economic and other factors between Italian regions, then historical development of Italy and its regions with emphasis on differences between regions and on the scenarios that could arise, if Padania gets any form of autonomy and have impact on Italy internal organization.

This thesis describes history of Catalan nationalism and analyzes the motives that lead to separatist tendencies in Catalonia. It also focuses on the impact of devolution and separation on Catalonia and Spain. Catalans are a historic nation with their own language and traditions. Since the establishment of the Kingdom of Spain they have sought a greater autonomy within pluralistic Spain until now. In the history, they experienced numerous efforts of assimilation and suppression, mostly during the dictatorship of General Franco. But the Catalans defended their uniqueness and during the transition to democracy and with the new Constitution of 1978, they gained considerable portion of autonomy. In the history, Catalans did not demand independence, they wanted to be part of the federal Spain. However, due to the economic crisis and the rejection of the greater autonomy, Catalan nationalism converted to separatism.

The aim of this thesis is to answer the question, whether Québec still has a chance to become independent one day? Firt part of the thesis shows theoretical definitions of nationalism, minorities, conflicts and possible solutions. Then there are historical relationships and conflict between anglophone and francophone people. Second part analysis québec´s separatism and his political support. Last part is dedicated to possible economical consequences if Québec separates from Canada.

The thesis deals with the reflection of the Ukrainian question in selected works of members of the first wave of Russian emigration. Attention is paid to four major political streams of Russian emigration - conservative, liberal, left-wing and Eurasian. As part of the content analysis of selected works, the historical topics and figures, the existence of the theme of the anti-Russian plot, the plan for the future arrangement of the Russian-Ukrainian relations, or the way in which the ideas were formulated were examined. A thorough analysis of all these currents revealed that, with the exception of the most leftist Socialist-Revolutionary political stream, no one had counted on the full separation of Ukraine from Russia. Though other thought currents could not imagine the separation of Ukraine, some proposed a solution that would bring more equality in the relationship between the Ukrainians and the Russians than in the pre-revolutionary period, be it the territorial or cultural autonomy of the Ukrainians.

The thesis is focused on the process of demise and disintegration of nationalist terrorist groups. The case studies of terrorism in Northern Ireland and Basque region in Spain demonstrate and analyze the development of local terrorist organizations from the beginning to the cessation of violent actions. An emphasis is put especially on the end of armed campaign and transformation of nationalist activities within a legal framework. In the case of Northern Ireland, the focus is put on the activities of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) from the beginning of the Troubles to the Belfast Agreement in 1998. The research in this thesis includes the influence of affiliated political parties - Sinn Féin in this case - on the process of negotiations and the continuation of Northern Irish nationalism after the end of armed campaign. The Basque case is devoted to the development of Basque nationalism since the beginning of the 20th century, the creation and development of Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) and its terrorist campaign within both the Francoist regime and Spanish democracy. An emphasis is put on the development of the organization until its official dissolution in 2018, activities of the political parties of the Nationalist Left affiliated to ETA and the attitude of Spanish authorities to...

Die internationale Staatengemeinschaft steht Sezessionsbestrebungen zur Aufspaltung bestehender Staaten gewöhnlich ablehnend gegenüber. Gleichzeitig wendet sie in vielen Ländern Instrumente der Entwicklungspolitik an und greift so auch in den dortigen politischen Prozess ein. Untersucht wird, inwiefern Entwicklungspolitik so gestaltet werden kann, dass sie nicht, quasi als Nebenwirkung, einer Sezessionsbewegung zum Durchbruch verhilft. Betrachtet wird dabei neben der gezielten Förderung wirtschaftlichen Wachstums auch das Instrument der Dezentralisierung, das oft als Mittel zur „Beruhigung“ separatistischer Bestrebungen vorgeschlagen wird. Zuvor jedoch wird aufgewiesen, dass eine Politik, die Sezessionen verhindern will, zumindest in vielen Fällen auch moralphilosophisch schlüssig begründet werden kann. Den Abschluss der Arbeit bilden drei Fallstudien zu Sezessionen auf dem Gebiet der ehemaligen Sowjetunion. / The international community is usually set against secessionist movements that aim at the splitting up of existing states. At the same time, in many countries instruments of development policy are applied, that automatically influence the political process there. The investigation here seeks to answer the question whether development policies can be designed in a way that they don’t unwillingly trigger secession as a side effect. In doing so, the focus is not only on growth-enhancing policies, but also on the instrument of decentralization, which is often presented as a tool suited to appease separatist movements. Prior to that, though, it is demonstrated that a policy aiming at the prevention of secessions can – in many cases at least – be justified with sound arguments of moral philosophy. The concluding chapter looks at three case studies of secessions that have been attempted on the territory of the former Soviet Union.