
Contents
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The Birth and Development of the Flemish Movement The Birth and Development of the Flemish Movement
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Dynamic Autonomy and the Federalization of the Belgian State Dynamic Autonomy and the Federalization of the Belgian State
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Flemish Nationalism at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century: Some Radicalization Flemish Nationalism at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century: Some Radicalization
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The Sixth Reform of the State and the N-VA in a Federal Coalition Government: Stemming Secessionism Once Again The Sixth Reform of the State and the N-VA in a Federal Coalition Government: Stemming Secessionism Once Again
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Conclusion Conclusion
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5 Flanders: The Marginality of Secessionism
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Published:September 2021
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Abstract
This chapter considers a case, Flanders, where secessionism has not gained strength despite many episodes fuelling tensions between the two main communities and significant, though episodic, cynicism about the future of the country. The singular political development of the Belgian state, which has involved an incremental and open-ended process of decentralization, has meant that Flemish autonomy is dynamic. Belgium is famous for its seemingly incessant constitutional politics leading to reforms of the state that transform the country’s institutional architecture in innovative ways. For Flanders, these state reforms have meant a gradual expansion of autonomy. Moreover, the reforms are never meant to conclude a process of decentralization; they always leave issues to be dealt with at an ulterior date. State reforms are high-profile events that often occur to manage a crisis between the two communities and are subject to government formation agreements in the context of the country’s consociational practices. Flemish parties can typically have a state reform if most of them want one or else the country remains without a government, which is something Francophone parties want to avoid for fear it makes Belgium seem unworkable and therefore feeds Flemish secessionist arguments. As Flemings know there is a forthcoming state reform that will enhance their collective autonomy and address some issues perceived as important for their national identity and interests, there is little incentive to support secessionist positions.
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