KOSOVAN STATEHOOD AS A PRETEXT FOR CATALAN INDEPENDENCE? BETWEEN DOMESTIC PREFERENCES AND EXTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

The Catalan bid for independence has partly drawn inspiration from Kosovo’s 2008 unilateral proclamation of independence from Serbia. This seemingly convenient resemblance has its limitations, especially when domestic political and social aspects, as well as the extent of international support are considered. Thus, apart from considerations involving specific settings and accompanying differences in terms of economic development, the analysis of the two cases underscores the crucial role of foreign stakeholders’ decision to offer assistance so that the process of attainment of statehood and international recognition can proceed. Unlike Kosovo, whose leadership garnered backing from key Western capitals, the Catalan movement was left with minimal external advocacy, which at no point gave the green light to border alterations of a state found in a complex geopolitical situation.