Catalonia presents an interesting instance of what are termed 'minority nations' or stateless nations'. Whereas such nations tend to be economically underdeveloped or dependent, Catalonia has long exercised leadership within the Spanish economy. At the same time, Catalonia offers important insights for many of the key political and social issues currently under debate in North America and provides one of the strongest claims that nationalism can be 'civic' rather than 'ethnic'.

Catalonia provides a thorough survey of contemporary Catalonia's politics, society, culture, and economy. It traces Catalonia's political and economic insertion within Spain, paying particular attention to the terms of Catalonia's political autonomy. Focusing primarily on the last two decades, the text begins with a review of Catalonia's historial trajectory, movements, and the impact of the Franco regime.

KENNETH MCROBERTS is professor of Political Science, York University, and Director of the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies.

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