Catalonia, An (Unhappy) State Within a State

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to argue for Catalonian autonomy and separation from Spain in the wake of the intensifying Catalan nationalist movement. The Catalonians already attained cultural and language autonomy, but now strive for complete political autonomy without interference from Spain. This study identifies the need for autonomy and the benefits it would present from a political, cultural, and economic standpoint. The study goes on to explore the possibility of integration of Catalonia into Europe as a new state if Spain were to grant autonomy. The study concludes that separation is the only reasonable course of action in this specific case and the Spanish government should grant autonomy.