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Identities and Federal Dynamics in Multinational Societies: comparisons within and between Belgium and Canada
Reuchamps, Min
201116th Annual ASN World Convention
 

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Keywords :
Federalism; Belgium; Canada; Identity
Abstract :
[en] Identities matter and this is especially true in multinational societies. In such societies, political identities play a chief variable in the political dynamics of the country. Identities receivetherefore much attention in most studies on this topic. In this perspective, communities are often seen as monolithic blocks at war with each other, along ethnic-linguistic lines. However, there is a missing link between identities and federal dynamics: it should be explored how identities shape the federal dynamics and how the federal dynamics shape identities. In Belgium and Canada, two multinational federations, the federal dynamics is much influenced by abipolar dynamics between the two main ethno-linguistic groups, which may stir fruitful comparisons and insight for the understanding of multinational federations. In both countries, identities and federal dynamics are intrinsically related to each other. Yet, their current political situation is quite different. While Belgium is stuck in a deep institutional crisis, Canada has now entered a period of – more or less – stability; even though the potential for tensions has not disappeared. The different path may be explained by the interactions between identities and federal dynamics within and between the two main linguistic groups. To explore these interactions, four citizens panels were organised in Montréal (Quebec), Kingston (Ontario), Liège (French-speaking Belgium) and Antwerp (Dutch-speaking Belgium). Each panel gathered 20-30 citizens for a half-day group discussion and thus provides insightful qualitative data. More specifically, different “identity triangles” – the identities of citizens in terms of “me”, “us”, and “them” – come out this original research and these triangles illuminate different perceptions and preferences for the future of their country. The results show the identity triangles within Canada are more dissimilar than within Belgium. It also reveals the proximity of some profiles between the two countries. Although a quantitative research would be needed to offer a greater leverage in terms of generalisations, such a qualitative study offer a deeper look into the identity and federal politics, which illuminate the dynamics at the heart of most multinational federations.
Disciplines :
Political science, public administration & international relations
Author, co-author :
Reuchamps, Min ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de science politique > Politique européenne
Language :
English
Title :
Identities and Federal Dynamics in Multinational Societies: comparisons within and between Belgium and Canada
Publication date :
15 April 2011
Event name :
16th Annual ASN World Convention
Event organizer :
Association for the Study of Nationalities Convention
Event place :
New York, United States
Event date :
from 14 April 2011 through 16 April 2011
Audience :
International
Funders :
F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique [BE]
Available on ORBi :
since 02 May 2011

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