The International Politics of Quebec Secession: State Making and State Breaking in North America

The editors and contributors to this study examine the future of domestic and foreign relations between Canada, Quebec, and their neighbors in the event of a yes vote on independence. They approach the possible emergence of an independent Quebec nation-state from the perspective of the study of world politics. As they suggest, this is particularly important because ethnic-based secessionist movements throughout the world now challenge our understanding of the supposed stability of the nation state within geographical regions and even the operation of states within global political and economic systems.

They examine the implications of a sovereign Quebec with special reference to ethnic-based secession as a dimension of the emerging post cold war international system. In this context, the possible devolution of Canada is an event of enormous significance not only for North America, but also Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Given the evolving literature on minorities at risk, ethnicity, ethnonationalism, and ethnic conflict, the prospect of a sovereign Quebec and the devolution of Canada are possible events that may well define the study of world politics well into the 21st century. This book is an important addition for scholars, researchers, students, and concerned citizens interested in intranational relations and ethnicity and Canadian studies.

DAVID CARMENT is Associate Professor of International Affaris at the Norman Paterson School, Carelton University. He is the author of numerous articles in professional journals and the author, editor, or co-edtior of four earlier books.

JOHN F. STACK, Jr., is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship Studies at Florida International University. He is the author and/or editor of five earlier books and numerous articles on ethnic-political issues.

FRANK P. HARVEY is a NATO Fellow and Associate Professor of Political Science at Dalhousie University and the Center for Foreign Policy Studies. He was published widely, including two earlier books.