Introduction: Re-conceptualizing Sub-state Mobilization

Abstract

Throughout Europe, stateless nationalist and regionalist parties (SNRPs) have moved from ‘niche’ actors in party systems to mainstream political players. No longer the ‘outsider’ in party politics, these parties have successfully entered government at the regional and state levels and many have been responsible for pushing the agenda for radical constitutional change. Yet the success of SNRPs in moving from ‘protest to power’ is not without its challenges. This contribution explores the importance of nationalist and regionalist party adaptation to the twin challenges of multi-level politics (i.e. operating at the regional, state and European levels) and a multi-dimensional policy space, whereby they must articulate policy proposals alongside their territorial demands. As a result of these challenges, there is a need to re-conceptualize what SNRPs are fighting for, and the compromises they are willing to accept to achieve success.