Skip to main content

Curated by Project Syndicate

Catalonia’s Reckless Independence Bid

11 commentaries

The Catalan independence referendum was bold but impetuous, and the regional government now faces hostility from Spain and lacks support from any EU member state. Project Syndicate writers examine the implications for Spain, the EU, and other aspiring secessionists.

Sort by: Show:
  1. A Federal Spain in a Federal Europe
    Barcelona pro-unity protesters Borja Sanchez Trillo/Getty Images

    A Federal Spain in a Federal Europe

    Nov 2, 2017 Guy Verhofstadt sees only one realistic option for overcoming the crisis triggered by Catalonia's independence bid.

  2. The Sovereignty that Really Matters
    United States Supreme Court Hisham Ibrahim/Getty Images

    The Sovereignty that Really Matters

    Oct 20, 2017 Javier Solana calls for renewed efforts to reduce the preeminence of the nation-state.

  3. Europe’s Attackers From Within
    Protest against the arrest of two Catalan separatist leaders Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

    Europe’s Attackers From Within

    Oct 17, 2017 Joschka Fischer argues that a stable and intact Spain that includes Catalonia is essential to the EU's future.

  4. International Mediation is Not the Answer in Catalonia
    Spanish prime minister Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

    International Mediation is Not the Answer in Catalonia

    Oct 12, 2017 Ana Palacio argues that external mediation of the crisis would undermine democracy and the rule of law – and not only in Spain.

  5. Why Catalonia’s Independence Bid Is Failing
    palacio76_David-Ramos_GettyImages-Carles-Puigdemont-PS David Ramos/Getty Images

    Why Catalonia’s Independence Bid Is Failing

    Oct 12, 2017 Shlomo Ben-Ami describes the insuperable obstacles that will stifle the regional government's drive for statehood.

  6. Europe’s Return to Crisis?
    The new headquarters of 'La Caixa - Caixabank' Jose Jordan/Getty Images

    Europe’s Return to Crisis?

    Oct 11, 2017 Daniel Gros considers what Spain's internal tumult says about the European Union's structure and prospects.

  1. palacio166_Andrew HarnikGettyImages_modi_arriving Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    India Has Arrived

    Ana Palacio charts the country’s transition from passive observer to active shaper of international affairs.
  2. mottley8_CHEWY LINAFP via Getty Images_islandclimatechange Chewy Lin/AFP via Getty Images

    Climate Action Demands Global Fraternity

    Mia Amor Mottley argues that human solidarity must underpin scientific, technological, financial, and diplomatic measures.
  3. mueller57_Michael KappelerPoolGettyImages_merz_weidel_debate Michael Kappeler/Pool/Getty Images

    Normalizing the Normalization of the Far Right

    Jan-Werner Mueller

    History and social science research show that voters take their cues from elites. When politicians who are seen as mainstream treat an extremist far-right party as normal, public opinion will tend to follow; and once such normalization has happened, as in Europe today, it is virtually impossible to undo.

    explores the most common justifications that politicians offer for working with anti-democratic forces.
  4. haass177_Montinique MonroeGetty Images_trumpoil Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

    Tackling Climate Change in the Age of Trump

    Richard Haass & Carolyn Kissane

    Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from the Paris climate agreement, rescinded emissions-reduction targets, and ended climate-related initiatives. But a range of potential initiatives that are consistent with the Trump administration’s priorities could still slow climate change.

    argue that reconciling what is desirable with what is feasible requires a new approach.
  5. benami222_Dia ImagesGettyImages_al-sharaa_erdogan Dia Images/Getty Images

    The Fight for Syria

    Shlomo Ben-Ami worries that Israel and Turkey, with their clashing ambitions, could undermine the country’s stability.
  6. wei68_EITAN ABRAMOVICHAFP via Getty Image_mercosureudeal Eitan Abramovich/AFP via Getty Images

    How to Counter Trump's Tariffs Productively?

    Shang-Jin Wei proposes steps that allies and rivals alike can take to mitigate the effects of American trade policies.
  7. ghosh85_NOAH SEELAMAFP via Getty Images_indiaaadhaar Noah Seelam/AFP via Getty Images

    Weaponizing Data Against Democracy

    Jayati Ghosh explains why and how authoritarian leaders like Narendra Modi hide or manipulate official figures.
  8. james227_Central PressGettyImages_neville_chamberlain_munich_pact Central Press/Getty Images

    Alternatives to Trump’s Russia Appeasement

    Harold James explains how France and Britain can guarantee Ukraine’s security now that America has effectively surrendered.
  9. op_malmendier1_ INA FASSBENDERAFP via Getty Images_germanyrailway Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images

    Germany at a Crossroads

    Ulrike Malmendier, et al. urge policymakers to pursue bold structural reforms, rather than clinging to an outdated growth model.

Edit Newsletter Preferences

Set up Notification

To receive email updates regarding this {entity_type}, please enter your email below.

If you are not already registered, this will create a PS account for you. You should receive an activation email shortly.