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Independence Referenda in Scotland and Catalonia – Partisan Actors, Pressures and Powers Compared

Nathalie Behnke
Technische Universität Darmstadt
Nathalie Behnke
Technische Universität Darmstadt

Abstract

In the paper we highlight those differences and parallels in the situational structure and actor constellations in the UK and Spain during preparation of the independence referenda. The argument focuses, among others, on party constellations and ideology, on public opinion and the publicized rationales for claiming independence, making reference to recent experiences with referendum campaigns in the UK (2011, 1997). While some constellations can be argued to enhance chances for a successful referendum, others are obviously disadvantageous. We will not venture a prognosis on the referendum result, but a balanced evaluation of those forces and pressures will allow a guess on the comparative probability of success between the two regions.