The nationalisms of contemporary Spain: an historical perspective and some hypotheses for the present

Abstract

This essay seeks to present a general overview of the causes for the development of the national question in Spain and, as a consequence, is based on an historical perspective of the matter. Arising out of this, some of the basic coordinates which will determine its future evolution can be predicted. Early on it becomes clear that the autonomy solution framed in the 1978 Constitution will be difficult to maintain without alterations, although this does not mean that in the medium term there can be a clear tendency towards secessionism, particularly in the Basque Country and in Catalonia. Besides, this probable development can only be put into perspective if consideration is given to the effective weight that is increasingly gained by the multiple sentiments of belonging, in a situation which is marked, in various contexts, by a «double patriotism».