Overview

This book explores the structural political imbalances that exist within complex democratic federations. In the coming decade, we may see the advent of multinational federalism on an international scale. As great powers and international organizations become increasingly uncomfortable with the creation of new states, multinational federalism is now an important avenue to explore, and in recent decades the experiences of Canada and Quebec have had a key influence on the approaches taken to manage national and community diversity around the world. Drawing on comparative scholarship and several key case studies (including Scotland, Catalonia, Quebec, and interactions between Indigenous peoples and various orders of government) The Legitimacy Clash takes a fresh look at the relationship between majorities and minorities while exploring theoretical advances in both federal studies and contemporary nationalisms. Alain-G. Gagnon critically examines the prospects and potential for a multinational federal state, specifically for nations seeking affirmation in a hostile context. The Legitimacy Clash reflects on the importance of legitimacy over legality in assessing the conflicts of claims.

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9781487547554

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The Legitimacy Clash brings together Alain-G. Gagnon's reflections over many decades on the nature of, and future for, multinational federalism. Drawing upon his unparalleled experience of Canada-Quebec relations, and embedded in a deep knowledge of comparative cases, Gagnon offers us a road map of principles and practice not only for Canada but for all multinational constitutions. This rich and engaging book is a highly significant intervention at a crucial time for diverse and complex polities. - Stephen Tierney, Professor of Constitutional Theory, University of Edinburgh The Legitimacy Clash sheds light on the role of Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities in federal countries. Alain-G. Gagnon's concept of a multinational federalism is forward looking. - Peter Bussjager, Professor of Law, University of Innsbruck and Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Principality of Liechtenstein The recognition and empowerment of nations in plurinational states requires that legality and legitimacy do not clash. And yet they often do, especially in the Western world. How should they be reconciled and what are the ingredients of a workable multinational federation? In this thought-provoking book, Alain-G. Gagnon completes his fascinating, life-long architecture of multinational federalism. - Francesco Palermo, Professor of Comparative Public Law, University of Verona and Director of the Institute for Comparative Federalism, Eurac Research

"" The Legitimacy Clash sheds light on the role of Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities in federal countries. Alain-G. Gagnon's concept of a multinational federalism is forward looking."" --Peter Bußjäger, Professor of Law, University of Innsbruck and Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Principality of Liechtenstein ""The Legitimacy Clash brings together Alain-G. Gagnon's reflections over many decades on the nature of, and future for, multinational federalism. Drawing upon his unparalleled experience of Canada-Quebec relations, and embedded in a deep knowledge of comparative cases, Gagnon offers us a road map of principles and practice not only for Canada but for all multinational constitutions. This rich and engaging book is a highly significant intervention at a crucial time for diverse and complex polities."" --Stephen Tierney, Professor of Constitutional Theory, University of Edinburgh ""The recognition and empowerment of nations in plurinational states requires that legality and legitimacy do not clash. And yet they often do, especially in the Western world. How should they be reconciled and what are the ingredients of a workable multinational federation? In this thought-provoking book, Alain-G. Gagnon completes his fascinating, life-long architecture of multinational federalism."" --Francesco Palermo, Professor of Comparative Public Law, University of Verona and Director of the Institute for Comparative Federalism, Eurac Research

The Legitimacy Clash brings together Alain-G. Gagnon's reflections over many decades on the nature of, and future for, multinational federalism. Drawing upon his unparalleled experience of Canada-Quebec relations, and embedded in a deep knowledge of comparative cases, Gagnon offers us a road map of principles and practice not only for Canada but for all multinational constitutions. This rich and engaging book is a highly significant intervention at a crucial time for diverse and complex polities. - Stephen Tierney, Professor of Constitutional Theory, University of Edinburgh The Legitimacy Clash sheds light on the role of Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities in federal countries. Alain-G. Gagnon's concept of a multinational federalism is forward looking. - Peter Bussjager, Professor of Law, University of Innsbruck and Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Principality of Liechtenstein The recognition and empowerment of nations in plurinational states requires that legality and legitimacy do not clash. And yet they often do, especially in the Western world. How should they be reconciled and what are the ingredients of a workable multinational federation? In this thought-provoking book, Alain-G. Gagnon completes his fascinating, life-long architecture of multinational federalism. - Francesco Palermo, Professor of Comparative Public Law, University of Verona and Director of the Institute for Comparative Federalism, Eurac Research

Author Information

Alain-G. Gagnon is a professor in the Department of Political Science at l'Universit du Qubec Montral.

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