Overview

When Governments Collide: Competition Within Nations in Québec and Catalonia offers a comparative analysis of Québec and Catalonia from the perspective of minority cultures operating within broader states, where their cultures and identities sometimes come in conflict with that of the majority, focusing on language, immigration, and foreign affairs policy. Since the mid-to-late 20th century, Québec and Catalonia have been demanding greater powers from their respective federal or central governments. While Québec has obtained significant powers over key identity policies (language, immigration, and international relations) from Ottawa, Catalonia has faced strong opposition from Madrid. This book looks at how each sub-state navigates its position within its federative context/environment, and how they negotiate and leverage policies in relation to their respective federal governments. It starts by exploring the external factors that have played a large role in allowing Québec to obtain more powers than Catalonia (such as the impact of Franco’s dictatorship on linguistic policy). Also central to the book’s analysis is the argument that incremental demands are more likely to be successful than sweeping requests. This “incrementalism” thesis suggests that minority nation governments are more likely to secure concessions from central political authorities by taking smaller, less provocative steps. While this strategy has practical implications, the book also addresses its limitations, noting that incrementalism may not always be feasible or effective. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of comparative public policy and politics, and nationalism, providing a timely perspective on forms of minority nationalism.

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9781041024484

Table of Contents

Reviews

“A landmark comparative study that sheds light on the contrasting trajectories of Quebec and Catalonia. By demonstrating the relevance of incrementalism over confrontation, it offers an original and compelling reading of the strategies of minority nations in today’s international system.” Stéphane Paquin, Professor at École nationale d’administration publique. Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at UQTR, in collaboration with ENAP. ""When nationalism meets public policy; Alexandre Couture Gagnon has produced a stimulating research monograph that makes a compelling case for minority nations more effectively bolstering their autonomy by taking incremental steps along multiple policy fronts rather than making a big self-determination push.” André Lecours, University of Ottawa

Author Information

Alexandre Couture Gagnon is an associate professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA. Her expertise includes comparative public policy, minority nations, and linguistic policy.

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