Anderson, P (2022) Spain and the United Kingdom: Between Unitary State Tradition and Federalization. In: Keil, S and Kropp, S, (eds.) Emerging Federal Structures in the Post-Cold War Era. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 49-72. ISBN 978-3-030-93669-3

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Abstract

This chapter examines the evolution of Spain and the United Kingdom (UK) as federal political systems. Neither Spain nor the UK qualifies as a full-fledged federation, but an identifiable process of federalization has taken root in both cases. Unpacking the experience of political decentralization, the chapter examines the efficacy of current arrangements vis-à-vis the politics of accommodation, with specific reference to elements of symbolic recognition, self-rule and shared rule, and identifies ongoing challenges to the development of federalism in Spain and the UK. In discussing the origins, evolution and challenges of the territorial models in both cases, the analysis highlights the evolving practice of territorial reform in these political systems, notwithstanding the absence of a conscious federal teleology. The analysis shows that federalism—as an enhanced model of territorial accommodation—has much to offer both Spain and the UK, but hitherto remains a marginalized option for constitutional reform.

Item Type:	Book Section
Subjects:	J Political Science > JC Political theory J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > JN101 Great Britain
Divisions:	Humanities & Social Science
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	23 May 2022 09:23
Last Modified:	19 May 2024 00:50
DOI or ID number:	10.1007/978-3-030-93669-3_3
Editors:	Keil, S and Kropp, S
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16899

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