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11. Europe's Identity and Islams

Author:
Renate Holub
Publication Date:
08-2003
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Institute of European Studies
Abstract:
Until the break-up of the Soviet Union, dominant intellectual and educational cultures in Europe worked primarily with national concepts. In the twentieth century, nationalist ideologies have, of course, lost some of their glamour due to the impact of two disastrous world wars. But while leading European intellectuals over the past 50 years developed a research program that transcended the national spirit, they nonetheless remained bound by the concept of “modernity,” which comprises the concept of the modern nation state and the modern nation state system. Steeped in this cultural unconscious, Europe has neglected the systematic study of alternative modernities and alternative systems of governmentality -- including systems of democratic governmentality in the internet age -- especially as these alternative modernities relate to the influx of Muslim populations.
Topic:
International Relations, Ethnic Conflict, Islam, and Population
Political Geography:
Europe, Soviet Union, and Arabia

12. Insular Autonomy: A Framework for Conflict Settlement? A Comparative Study of Corsica and the Åland Islands

Author:
Farimah Daftary
Publication Date:
10-2000
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Centre for Minority Issues
Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to undertake a comparative evaluation of autonomy as a method of conflict settlement based on two case studies of insular regions in Western Europe: the Åland Islands and Corsica. It will highlight the factors which have contributed to the success of conflict settlement in the case of Åland and draw some lessons from the failure of conflict regulation thus far in Corsica. It then proceeds to analyse the "Matignon Process" (December 1999-July 2000) which culminated in a compromise document presented by French Government on 20 July 2000 to the Corsican representatives. Although its prospects for success are mixed, this is the most significant effort to date by the French Government to resolve the conflict in Corsica through an open and democratic political dialogue with elected representatives of the Corsican population. The measures proposed will result in a third statute and a limited form of autonomy for Corsica, pending constitutional revisions by 2004. This paper will also offer some thoughts on the potential impact of the Corsican reforms on other French regions and territories.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Demographics, Nationalism, and Population
Political Geography:
Europe