Self-determination and coercion in Spain. The case of Catalonia

Abstract

Catalonia remains part of Spain despite the unilateral referendum and declaration of independence that took place in October 2017. This article will explore how the central authorities blocked Catalan attempts at self-determination and secession, as well as the consequences of these actions and reactions. Internal and external self-determination in Spain to better understand the move towards unilateralism, and the application of both constitutional and criminal law responses in the subsequent central coercion, will be examined. As regards the consequences, the secession project today seems more unattainable and the project of union less attractive.