Managing the island territory : a historical perspective on sub-state nationalism in Corsica and Sardinia

Abstract

Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy) are two islands of the western Mediterranean basin separated by a narrow strait. They share a problematic relationship with the mainland states to which they are associated, and from which they obtained their status of subnational island jurisdiction (SNIJ). The metropole/island relationship of these two islands is characterized by centrifugal tensions and the presence of sub-state nationalisms. These movements are different in terms of characteristics, strategies and electoral results, because of how France and Italy have managed the integration of the two islands, how the two island nationalisms have evolved, and how both metropolitan states have dealt with them. This article proposes a comparative history of Sardinian and Corsican nationalism and the relationship of Italy and France with these island territories. The intention is to analyse the two nationalisms, based almost exclusively on political science, with an historical perspective, highlighting the impact caused by the central states’ attitudes. In this way, the article points out how the differences between the political context of the two islands is defined by the different approach taken by France and Italy in managing their island territories.