In this case study I explore why the conflict of the Basque country which involves Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) persists. The purpose is to gain an understanding of the existence of ETA. Working somewhat  as an ethnographer the method has been to observe Basque society and through semi- structured interviews gain an understanding of ETAs existence. As exemplified with the hermeneutic circle, this case study starts out with a preunderstanding of the reasons for the existence of ETA, a preunderstanding which alters many times during my visit to the Basque country. Keys to understanding the continued existence of ETA is that historical “injustices” are perceived to still exist in the Basque country. Perceptions which question the legitimacy of the Spanish state in the Basque country. Further the social base of ETA, as exemplified in election support for Herri Batasuna (HB), still remains rather strong despite the party‟s illegalization and finally, the perceived lack of a functioning democracy in Spain and the lack of legitimacy of the Spanish state in the Basque country are among the reasons for the continued existence of ETA.

La col•laboració entre el govern espanyol i el francès contra l’organització armada Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) va començar al gener de 1984 amb l’ús de les deportacions a tercers països. Els refugiats bascos que vivien al País Basc francès i que eren detinguts van començar a ser enviats a llocs americans i africans. Aquesta pràctica va estar vigent entre 1984 i 1990. Però els deportats van continuar vivint als tercers països i hi ha qui encara hi viu. La deportació va ser la mesura que el govern francès va usar abans de decidir-se a extradir cap a Espanya. Va implicar a tercers països que van acollir als bascos a canvi de compensacions econòmiques espanyoles. Aquestes es produïen a través d’Ajudes Oficials al Desenvolupament. Va acabar per convertir-se en una mesura oblidada pel pas del temps. / The collaboration between the French and the Spanish government against the armed organization Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) began in January 1984 with the use of deportations to third countries. Refugees living in the French Basque Country and who were arrested began to be sent to African and American places. This practice was in force between 1984 and 1990. But the deportees continued living in third countries and now there are someone who are still alive. The deportation was the extent that the French government used before deciding to extradite to Spain. It implied in third countries that they accommodated the Basques in exchange for Spanish economical compensations. These were produced through Official Development Assistance. Eventually become a measure forgotten by time.