1. Forces of Devolution The Basque Separatist Movement

2. Devolutionary Geographies Devolution is a process that involves the weakening of what was formerly a politically cohesive state According to Vernon Bogdanor, devolution consists of 3 processes: 1. The transfer of power to a subordinate elected body 2. The transfer of power on a geographical basis 3. The transfer of functions at present exercised by Parliament Devolution does not necessarily entail the dismemberment of the former state Devolved power to regional governments Federated State (politically viable states within a central system, e.g. US and Russia, and increasingly the EU) Formation of new separate nation-states (e.g. USSR into Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, former Yugoslavia into Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro etc., etc.).

3. Devolutionary Geographies Devolution is a product of regionalism Reflects regional cultural differences Desire for political representation and economic control Scaling–down of the nation-state Devolution is occurring across Europe Combined process of scaling-up and –down of nationalism Along with rise of the EU, prominent in the changing geography of Europe Unlike EU Supranationalism, not usually seen as a positive force

4. Can the United Kingdom survive devolution, European integration, reform of the Lords, slimming of the monarchy and proportional representation? Will the new House of Lords be anything more than a rubber stamp full of friends of the Prime Minister? Will Scotland now shatter the Union by demanding full independence?

5. Devolution Across Europe UK: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland France: Brittany Italy: Padania (Liga Nord) Spain: Galicia, Catalonia, and the Basque Region http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2519735.stm

6. The Basque Culture Region Genetic (DNA) connections to the land that extend back 10,000 years Bonds of language and pastoral lifestyle Euskara (pre-dates Indo-European languages) Sheep farming and fishing Region’s carrying capacity led to emigration and out- migration Americas, e.g. Utah in US Economic diversification: intensified land use Rich economy

7. The Basque Separatist Movement After the break-up of the Franco dictatorship in 1975, Spain decentralized political power Basques (and Catalans) demanded greater autonomy and extent Multiple parties make-up the Basque parliament Some regional separatists (nationalists) Extremists: Militant ETA and Batasuna Party (political wing of ETA) Others are national parties (non-nationalists)

8. From: CNN.com EA: Euskal Alkartasuna, or Basque left PNV: Partido Nacionalista Vasco, or Basque Nationalist Party HB/EH: Herri Batasuna, or Popular Unity; Euskal Herritarrok, or Basque Citizens PP: Partido Popular, or Popular Party PSOE: Partido Socialista Obrero Espanol, or National Socialist Party