Catalan Separatism: History and Modern Times

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of separatism in the Kingdom of Spain, examining the factors influencing the nature of relations between Catalonia and the central government of the country. The problem of Catalan separatism cannot be considered in isolation from the historical context of the formation of the Spanish state, as it is one of the key factors driving separatist sentiments and processes in Catalonia. The cultural factor, especially the Catalan language and the national consciousness of the Catalans, also plays a significant role. Among the factors contributing to the transformation of Catalan regionalism into separatism are the following: the global economic crisis, which has significantly worsened the situation in the region; the constitutional crisis; the internal political crisis, particularly the issue of Spain’s administrative-territorial structure – regional asymmetry; and the lack of an adequate response from the Spanish government to the rise of nationalist sentiments and the spread of separatist ideas.