This essay explores the chances which the creation of a new state can offer in terms of increasing its sustainability. As an example, it takes a look at the Catalan independence process.
While the emergence of new states often is met with some amount of scepticism, especially by neighbouring states already in existence - be it for fear of armed conflicts, regional instability or surging nationalisms or simply out of complacency, a „let‘s just leave it as it is“- mentality - there is no denying that a new state can offer many possibilities for sustainable development. Especially if the process leading to the formation of the new state fullfills certain predicaments such as the political activation of a large part of the population, a high level of education, a general interest in sustainability issues, an involvement not only of political but also of civil society movements in its creation, the political will of those in charge of the process to achieve ambitous sustainability goals and the political „guts“ to start again more or less from scratch.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The emergence of Catalonia - a democratic, empowering process
- The role of Social Capital and Civil Society on the road to establishing a democratic state and refurbishing sustainability politics
- The status of sustainability politics in Catalonia
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the emergence of Catalonia as a potential model for sustainable development, focusing on the interplay between democratic processes and the establishment of sustainable politics. It analyzes whether mechanisms for successful democratic consolidation can be applied to achieving sustainable political models. The essay investigates the role of citizen participation and civil society in this process.
- The relationship between democratic consolidation and sustainable politics.
- The role of citizen participation and empowerment in shaping sustainable policies.
- The significance of social capital and civil society in establishing a stable democratic state and sustainable governance.
- The impact of emancipative values on environmental and sustainability activism.
- The case study of Catalonia as an example of a democratic process striving for sustainable development.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by acknowledging the skepticism often surrounding the emergence of new states. However, it argues that new states can offer opportunities for sustainable development, particularly when the formation process involves broad public participation, high education levels, and a commitment to sustainability. The author uses the examples of Catalonia and Scotland to illustrate the potential of independence movements to drive dramatic political, economic, and social change, emphasizing the focus on future possibilities rather than historical grievances. The essay then frames the Catalan case within democratization theories, highlighting the unique aspect of a new democratic state emerging from an existing one perceived as flawed. It proposes that the mechanisms for successful democratic consolidation are similar to those needed for sustainable politics, suggesting a framework for evaluating the likelihood of success in both realms.
The emergence of Catalonia - a democratic, empowering process: This chapter details the democratic process leading to Catalonia's pro-independence movement. The 2015 Catalan elections resulted in a pro-independence majority in the Parliament, which initiated a formal process toward independence. The author emphasizes the participatory and consensual nature of this process, highlighting articles in the resolution explicitly mentioning citizen involvement and empowerment. The chapter underscores the significance of creating "bridging" networks to foster democratic consolidation, and it argues that this participatory approach creates a foundation for future sustainability politics by fostering an empowered and engaged citizenry. The election of Carmen Forcadell, a leader of the civil movement ANC, as Parliament chairman demonstrates a commitment to breaking with traditional power structures and combating corruption, further supporting the democratic and participatory ethos.
The role of Social Capital and Civil Society on the road to establishing a democratic state and refurbishing sustainability politics: This section explores the critical roles of civil society and social capital in building a stable democracy and promoting sustainable politics. The author argues that high levels of social capital and a vibrant civil society are often prerequisites for successful democratic consolidation. Catalonia's transition, characterized by a gradual and negotiated process, has fostered an active and widely engaged citizenry. Economic crisis and political corruption have further spurred this engagement. The chapter focuses on the role of organizations like the ANC and Súmate in disseminating information, facilitating political cooperation, and providing a two-way flow of information between the people and the political level. The "Gigaenquesta," a large-scale survey aiming to gather citizens' perspectives on the ideal country, exemplifies this two-way communication, with a strong focus on social and environmental issues. The chapter concludes by connecting the criteria for successful democratic processes (according to Dahl) with those for successful participatory sustainability politics, emphasizing the importance of participation, equality, informed decision-making, agenda control, and inclusivity.
The status of sustainability politics in Catalonia: This chapter assesses Catalonia's commitment to sustainability, citing statements by Catalan president Artur Mas at COP21, expressing a strong commitment to inclusive global action on climate change and a transition to a low-carbon economy. The chapter highlights Catalonia's "Agenda Catalana," developed in preparation for COP21, as an exemplary plan for local climate action and fostering public discussion on these issues. The author also mentions the contrast between Catalonia's pro-renewable energy stance and the Spanish central government's perceived anti-solar policies, highlighting a point of political conflict.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Catalan independence, sustainable development, democratic consolidation, citizen participation, social capital, civil society, participatory politics, environmentalism, sustainability politics, emancipative values, political empowerment, corruption, renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Catalan Independence and Sustainable Development
What is the main focus of this essay?
This essay examines the emergence of Catalonia as a potential model for sustainable development. It analyzes the interplay between democratic processes and the establishment of sustainable politics, investigating whether mechanisms for successful democratic consolidation can be applied to achieving sustainable political models. A key focus is the role of citizen participation and civil society in this process.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay explores the relationship between democratic consolidation and sustainable politics; the role of citizen participation and empowerment in shaping sustainable policies; the significance of social capital and civil society in establishing a stable democratic state and sustainable governance; the impact of emancipative values on environmental and sustainability activism; and the case study of Catalonia as an example of a democratic process striving for sustainable development.
How does the essay describe the emergence of Catalonia's pro-independence movement?
The essay describes the 2015 Catalan elections resulting in a pro-independence majority in the Parliament, initiating a formal process toward independence. It emphasizes the participatory and consensual nature of this process, highlighting the creation of "bridging" networks to foster democratic consolidation. The election of Carmen Forcadell, a leader of the civil movement ANC, as Parliament chairman is presented as a commitment to breaking with traditional power structures.
What is the role of social capital and civil society in Catalonia's development?
The essay argues that high levels of social capital and a vibrant civil society are prerequisites for successful democratic consolidation and sustainable politics. Organizations like the ANC and Súmate are highlighted for their roles in disseminating information, facilitating political cooperation, and providing a two-way flow of information between citizens and the political level. The "Gigaenquesta" survey is cited as an example of this two-way communication focused on social and environmental issues.
What is the essay's assessment of Catalonia's commitment to sustainability?
The essay cites statements by Catalan president Artur Mas at COP21, expressing a strong commitment to inclusive global action on climate change and a transition to a low-carbon economy. Catalonia's "Agenda Catalana," developed in preparation for COP21, is presented as an exemplary plan for local climate action. The contrast between Catalonia's pro-renewable energy stance and the Spanish central government's perceived anti-solar policies is also highlighted.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?
The introduction sets the stage by arguing that new states can offer opportunities for sustainable development, particularly with broad public participation. The chapters detail the democratic process leading to Catalonia's pro-independence movement, the crucial role of social capital and civil society, and finally, assess Catalonia's commitment to sustainability, including its plans and challenges.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Catalan independence, sustainable development, democratic consolidation, citizen participation, social capital, civil society, participatory politics, environmentalism, sustainability politics, emancipative values, political empowerment, corruption, renewable energy.
- Arbeit zitieren
- M.A. Nicholas Gudrich (Autor:in), 2016, The emergence of new states as a chance for sustainability politics. The Catalan independence movement, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/337747
