Nationalism on the island: the legitimacy of Corsican nationalist movements in question

Abstract

The article seeks to uncover and bring to attention an important issue and nationalist struggle at the heart of the European Union. While casualties and bombings caused by the Corsican nationalist movement constantly occupy the headline of various French and European newspapers, it has received little attention in academics spheres. Yet, such movement provides an interesting test case for the analysis of nationalist discourse and the accommodation of minorities within European integration and the Europe of Regions. This article will start by drawing a short profile of the island before exploring the different stages of development of the Corsican nationalist movement. We will then analysing the elements that compose the Corsican identity before concentrating on the discourse of one of the most notorious Corsican nationalist movement. We will conclude by questioning the legitimacy and future of such movements within the European integration. (author's abstract)