Nationalism in the Context of Politics of Change in Spain

Abstract

Purpose-to discuss and disclose the role of nationalism in Spanish politics of change.Design/methodology/approach –The main research objective and tasks have influenced the selection of qualitative methods, firstly explaining the sociocultural situation in Spain as well as historical context. The theoretical background of nationalism and a comparative approach are used to discover and explain certain types of nationalism in Spanish politics of change.Finding –Podemos, Spain’s second-largest political party on the left, is a representative of the politics of change, clearly expressing the intention to cherish the country’s multicultural and multilingual realityin the socio-political situation after the 15-M movement. The phrase ‘Spain is a nation of nations’ was made popular by the leader of Podemos, Pablo Iglesias. Analysis of the recent socio-political situation in Spain reveals that Podemos intended to agree with Socialists (the PSOE party) to develop a plural national state, in which each national region could develop its government in an equal and cooperative manner. However, the far-right party Vox brought a completely opposite nationalist approach, whichbans the Catalan independence movement and any thoughts of cultural diversity. Therefore, nationalism isnow beginning to occupy a central position in Spanish politics of change. Research limitations/implications–This study only pretends to begin investigations into the given topic and it must be broadened in the future, examining the growing nationalistic sentiment among the Spanish people –fuelled by such factors as rising economic inequality, increasing scepticism about globalization, and fears of economic, cultural and security impacts of immigration. Originality/Value–This article analyzes the newest political issues in Spain through a particular approach to political changes in the country. The research results can be a significant addition to future investigations of recent political changes in Spain.