Leiden University Student Repository

Wencker, Tim Martijn (2014)

An ever more divided Union? Contemporary separatism in the European Union: a comparative case study of Scotland, Catalonia and Flanders

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

This thesis analyses separatist movements within EU member states. The cases of Scotland, Catalonia and Flanders are thoroughly analysed and compared to establish a pattern of separatism within the EU. The pattern that is established recognizes imagined communities and 'rationalized' arguments as the cornerstones of European separatism. Moreover, this thesis considers the seemingly contradictory pro-European attitude that is clearly present within these separatist movements.

separatism

European Union

secession

EU

Scotland

Catalonia

Flanders

independence

Author

Wencker, Tim Martijn

Note

Please bear in mind that this thesis was written before the Scottish referendum of 18-09-2014 took place.

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

European Union Studies

Supervisors

Rood, J.Q.T.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en