Protecting "ours": Is substate nationalism based on the local social policy preferences a determinant of citizens political engagement?

Basque nationalism exhibits a distinct approach to public administration, reflecting a unique perspective on governance and welfare management within the region (Barandiaran, 2021). We aim to explore the extent to which this distinct nationalistic approach influences the trust citizens place in Basque institutions. In conducting this analysis of the relationship between substate nationalism and citizens' trust in the national and local governments, we pay attention to the mediating effect of welfare governance. It puts forward two main assumptions. First, we posit that the processes of identity building and territorial division inherent to substate nationalism involve a social policy dimension (Keskinen, 2016; Andreotti & Minginen, 2016). This means that citizens’ feelings of belonging to the Basque Country rather than to Spain are more likely to be defined by their social policy preferences in the region (Maíz, 2000). Second, we apply the home effect hypothesis in our context to elucidate public attitudes. Thus, we assume that substate nationalism influences electoral engagement through heightened political trust in local government compared to the national level. To demonstrate our assumptions empirically, a longitudinal study has been carried out and as a result, enabled us to delve into the complexity of individuals reasoning in the multilevel state.