Basques are living in seven provinces at the Bay of Biscay on the territories of France (three rather small provinces) and Spain, which constitute the „greater Basque Country‟ or „Euskal Herria‟. In Spain the southern – and by far bigger – part of Euskal Herria consists of the autonomous community Navarra and the autonomous community Basque Country („Euskadi‟) with its three provinces Álava, Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya. Basque nationalists in Euskadi claim especially Navarra as part of their territory. The Basque conflict can be described as a nationalist struggle based on ethnicity which is particularly vital – and violent – in Euskadi. Nationalists in the Basque Country are claiming the right for self-determination and sovereignty in contrast to the Spanish government, which is reluctant to grant the Basques sovereignty. Attacks executed by the separatist terrorist group ETA, which have yet left more than 800 dead, are the violent excesses of the conflict. The case study pays special attention to the distinct features of the conflict by analysing the Basque society. As there has not yet been any progressed peace process, the hitherto existing efforts towards peace are being traced and those problems revealed (especially the issue of „spoiling‟) that prevented a sustainable peace process from getting kicked off. A glance into the future is then dared that takes into consideration recent political changes.
Table of Contents
1. Spain and the Basque Country: A Case Study
2. Origins and causes of the conflict
3. The social and economic situation
4. The peace process
5. The 2009 elections and its impact on future peace efforts
6. Conclusion: Generalisability and lessons to be learned from the conflict
Research Objectives and Themes
This case study examines the persistent Basque conflict by analyzing the socio-economic structure of the Basque society and the high levels of autonomy already enjoyed by the region. It investigates the failure of peace processes, specifically focusing on the dynamics of "spoiling" activities by both political actors and terrorist groups, and evaluates how recent political changes and elections impact the possibility of a sustainable settlement.
- Historical origins and ideological roots of the Basque conflict.
- The role of the Basque socio-economic status in shaping political demands.
- Mechanisms and consequences of "spoiling" within peace negotiations.
- The impact of political shifts and party bans on legitimacy and representation.
- Lessons for conflict resolution derived from the Basque experience.
Excerpt from the Book
The peace process
In the late 1980s first contacts between the Spanish government and ETA were established in order to resolve the conflict. In 1988 all Parties in the Basque parliament except for Batasuna20, which is considered the political wing of ETA, signed the ‘Agreement for the Pacification and Normalization of Euskadi’ (also known as ‘Pact of Ajuria Enea’). In the agreement the parties disapproved violence as a legitimate means to contribute to a settlement of the conflict. The agreement separated those nationalists who deemed violence as a means to reach political aims (Batasuna) from those who rejected that idea (NPV and the other nationalist parties).21 In the early 1990s the Spanish and French police were successful in arresting ETA’s leadership what led to the notion that ETA could possibly be defeated by force.
The organization came under additional pressure by the rise of protest movements against ETA violence, which was becoming increasingly indiscriminate, within the civil society. ETA’s positions became more radical, and a street struggle (known as ‘kale borroka’) emerged with young activists burning down buses, ATM’s, etc. By that time many ETA members were arrested or had abandoned the cause and the organization’s capacity to recruit new members declined sharply. It became evident that ETA – though capable of bringing about harm – could not threaten the underlying stability of the system.22 This could have been a “ripe moment”23 if both parties would have acknowledged the nature of the stalemate. Yet, ETA was becoming more radical due to a change in its leadership and the Spanish government believed they could win the struggle by force. Hence, a unique chance for kicking off a peace process was left unexploited.
Summary of Chapters
Spain and the Basque Country: A Case Study: Provides an overview of the geographical and political context of the Basque conflict, noting the intense nationalist struggle for self-determination and the role of the militant group ETA.
Origins and causes of the conflict: Traces the historical developments from the historical legal codes ('fueros') through the Franco era to the foundation of ETA in 1959 as a response to political repression.
The social and economic situation: Discusses the high degree of autonomy and economic prosperity in the Basque region, contrasting this with the persistent lack of public legitimacy regarding the Spanish constitution.
The peace process: Analyzes the failed attempts at peace negotiations since the 1980s, highlighting how both terrorist violence and governmental rigidity contributed to the collapse of these processes.
The 2009 elections and its impact on future peace efforts: Evaluates the consequences of recent party bans and the subsequent change in government for the future of peace efforts and political representation.
Conclusion: Generalisability and lessons to be learned from the conflict: Summarizes the unique features of the Basque case and concludes that it serves as a negative example illustrating how spoiler activities prevent sustainable peace.
Keywords
Basque Country, ETA, Euskadi, Nationalism, Self-determination, Peace process, Spoiling, Conflict resolution, Autonomy, Batasuna, Political violence, Spanish government, Sovereignty, Political legitimacy, Northern Ireland comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this study?
The study provides a comprehensive case study of the conflict between the Spanish state and Basque nationalists, focusing on the history, socio-economic conditions, and the repeatedly failed attempts to reach a peaceful resolution.
What are the central themes of the work?
Central themes include the evolution of Basque nationalism, the impact of the Franco dictatorship, the role of economic prosperity in the region, and the theoretical application of the "spoiler" concept in peacebuilding.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to understand why peace processes in the Basque Country have consistently failed and to identify the internal and external factors—specifically "spoiling"—that prevent a transition to sustainable peace.
Which scientific methodology is used?
The work employs a qualitative case study approach, utilizing historical analysis, socio-linguistic survey data, and political science theories related to conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
What is addressed in the main body of the text?
The main body examines the historical roots of the conflict, the high level of autonomy the region enjoys, the specific failures of various peace agreements, and the political implications of recent electoral shifts.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is best characterized by terms such as Basque nationalism, conflict resolution, peace process, political violence, and spoiler dynamics.
How does the author define "spoiling" in the context of the Basque conflict?
The author defines spoiling as actions intended to hinder, delay, or undermine conflict settlement, citing both ETA's use of terrorist violence and the Spanish government's uncompromising policies as examples of such behavior.
Why is the Basque case considered a negative example for conflict resolution?
It is viewed as a negative example because the stakeholders failed to provide effective mechanisms to deal with spoilers, leading to the collapse of negotiations rather than their temporary redirection as seen in other conflicts like Northern Ireland.
- Citation du texte
- Stefan Vedder (Auteur), 2010, Spain and the Basque Country - A Case Study, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/155833
