The Causes and Consequences of the Basque Separatist Conflict in Spain: ETA, Terrorism & the Basque Conflict

The Basque separatist conflict has involved a long period of hostility between the Basque people of northern Spain and the Spanish government. The repressive anti-Basque policies of Spain’s fascist dictator, General Franco, brought the conflict to a new level, and in 1959 an insurgency movement was mobilised by Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA), a separatist militant organisation which fought to create an independent Basque State straddling northern Spain and south-west France.

This book examines the nature and origin of this separatist conflict, and provides an insight into the consequences of the armed struggle that lasted more than 50 years, and was characterised by acts of violence from both sides. It also looks at the progress towards peace since ETA announced a 'definitive' end to armed struggle in 2011. Basque separatist pressures continue, and despite ETA declaring its complete disarmament in April 2017, it remains to be seen whether the violence associated with Basque grievances has finally ended.

It will be of relevance to teachers and students, as well as anyone with an interest in regional or national conflicts from around the world.