National Identity and Ethno-Regional Party Types

Abstract: This article tries to expand the analysis of ethno-regional parties by linking their strategies more closely to the prevailing structures of identity (national and regional feelings of belonging). It is based on four regional case studies (Wales, Scotland, Flanders and Bavaria) with successful ethno-regionalparties (respectively Plaid Cymru, Vlaams Blok/ Vlaams Belang,
Scottish National Party, Christlich Soziale Union in Bayern). It analyses the implication of the configuration of these two identities on the style of campaign and the degree of radicalism of these parties, using de Winter's scale of ethno-regional party programs as an indicator of radicalism. The identity structure of the electorate has a decisive influence. This influence is nonlinear. The most radical forms of parties on de Winter's scale coexist with either very strong or very weak regional identities. In case of a strong regional identity, a strong national identity acts as a moderating factor.