Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies (Democracy, Diversity, and Citizen Engagement Series)

In Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies the editors bring together experts on multinational democracies to analyze the claims of minority nations about their political future, and the responses they elicit through constitutional politics. "Constitutional politics is exceptionally intense and unpredictable. It involves negotiations over the very nature of the state and the implications of self-determination. Multinational democracies are exposed to challenges to the existing order since they are composed of communities with distinct cultures, histories and aspirations, looking to mutually agreed upon terms of coexistence. Conflict over the recognition of these multiple identities and the distribution of power and resources is inevitable and, indeed, part of what defines democratic life in multinational societies. In 'Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies', André Lecours, Nikola Brassard-Dion and Guy Laforest bring together experts on multinational democracies to analyze the claims of minority nations about their political future, and the responses they elicit through constitutional politics. Essays focus on the nature, actors, and political process in multinational democracies. This framework allows for a multidimensional examination of crucial political periods in these democracies by assessing what is constitutional politics, who is involved in it, and how it happens. Case studies explored within this framework include Catalonia and Spain, Puerto Rico and the United States, Scotland and the United Kingdom, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Québec and the Métis People in Canada. Theoretically significant and empirically-rich, 'Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies' is a necessary read for any student of multinationalism."-- Provided by publisher Constitutional politics is exceptionally intense and unpredictable. It involves negotiations over the very nature of the state and the implications of self- determination. Multinational democracies face pressing challenges to the existing order because they are composed of communities with distinct cultures, histories, and aspirations, striving to coexist under mutually agreed-upon terms. Conflict over the recognition of these multiple identities and the distribution of power and resources is inevitable and, indeed, part of what defines democratic life in multinational societies. In Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies André Lecours, Nikola Brassard-Dion, and Guy Laforest bring together experts on multinational democracies to analyze the claims of minority nations about their political future and the responses they elicit through constitutional politics. Essays focus on the nature of these states and the actors and political process within them. This framework allows for a multidimensional examination of crucial political periods in these democracies by assessing what constitutional politics is, who is involved in it, and how it happens. Case studies include Catalonia and Spain, Puerto Rico and the United States, Scotland and the United Kingdom, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Quebec and the Métis People in Canada. Theoretically significant and empirically rich, Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies is a necessary read for any student of multinationalism. Cover CONSTITUTIONAL POLITICS IN MULTINATIONAL DEMOCRACIES Title Copyright Contents Figures and Tables INTRODUCTION Constitutional Politics in Multinational Democracies 1 What’s the Deal? Canada’s Constitutional Relationship with the Métis Nation 2 Responding to Secession Referenda: Constitutional and Quasi-Constitutional Change in Quebec and Scotland 3 Embedded Independence: Self-Government and Interdependence in the Scottish National Movement 4 Flemish Nationalism and the Left-Right Divide: Consequences for Constitutional Politics in Belgium 5 The Legitimacy-Legality Constitutional Paradox in Multinational Democracies and the Constitutional Origins of Sub-State Party System Realignments 6. Bosnia and Herzegovina: Constitutional Politics in a “State of Minorities” CONCLUSION The Nature, Actors, and Process of Constitutional Politics Contributors Index