Globalization, Secessionism, and Autonomy

In: Electoral Studies, Band 23, Heft 4, S. 727-752

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between the persistence & growth of secessionist parties in democratic countries & economic globalization, controlling for political & economic factors. The implications of secessionist persistence for decentralization are also examined. The paper finds that globalization is positively related to secessionist vote growth, while there is some evidence that economic conditions also impact secessionist parties in systematic ways. Secessionist support is also substantially affected by policy changes. Central governments have offered autonomy more often to regions with secessionist parties than to regions without such parties, though often the offers take the form of symmetrical countrywide decentralization. 3 Tables, 1 Figure, 1 Appendix, 50 References. [Copyright 2004 Elsevier Ltd.]