Ludger Mees offers the first comprehensive study of one of Europe's most protracted ethnic conflicts. He carefully analyses both the historical roots of the conflict and its later growing violent dimension. Special attention is paid to the framing of a new opportunity structure during the 1990s, which facilitated the first serious, but ultimately frustrated, attempt to broker a settlement. In the light of different theoretical and comparative approaches, the reasons for the dramatic return of terrorism and the possibilities of a more successful conflict de-escalation in the near future are discussed.

To the outside world, for some half a century, the words 'Basque Country' have provoked an almost instant association with the Euskadi ta Askatasuna (ETA - Basque Homeland and Liberty) separatist group, and violent conflict. The Basque Contention: Ethnicity, Politics, Violence attempts to undo this simplistic correlation, and for the first time, provide a definitive history of the wider political issues at the heart of the Basque Country. For anyone who has ever wanted to gain an insight into the Basque Country beyond the headlines of ETA, and grasp the complexity of its relationship with Spain, France and indeed itself, this volume provides a detailed, yet digestible, basis for such an understanding.

To the outside world, for some half a century, the words 'Basque Country' have provoked an almost instant association with the Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA, Basque Homeland and Liberty) separatist group and violent conflict. The Basque Contention: Ethnicity, Politics, Violence attempts to undo this simplistic correlation and, for the first time, provide a definitive history of the wider political issues at the heart of the Basque Country. Drawing on three decades of research on Basque nationalism, Ludger Mees weaves together the various historical and contemporary strands of this contention: from the late medieval kingdoms of Spain and France and the first articulations of a Basque ethno-particularism, to the dissolution of ETA in 2018, and all manner of dictatorships, conflict, peace, civil war, political intrigue, hope and failure in-between. For anyone who has ever wanted to gain an insight into the Basque Country beyond the headlines of ETA and grasp the complexity of its relationship with Spain, France and indeed itself, this volume provides a detailed, yet digestible, basis for such an understanding.

Important and significant volume looking at the remarkable history of Rioja wine for the first time enriching knowledge and addressing debates on inventions of tradition, impacts of crisis for innovation and progress. Based on unpublished sources, the book traces the economic, social, cultural and political evolution of Rioja's wine over the following decades offering new insight into the social history of wine production, distribution and consumption. Written by leading academic. Wide appeal to those interested in wine studies, sociology, social history, tourism, events, hospitality and food studies.

Ludger Mees offers the first comprehensive study of one of Europe's most protracted ethnic conflicts. He carefully analyzes both the historical roots of the conflict and its later growing violent dimension. Special attention is paid to the framing of a new opportunity structure during the 1990s, which facilitated the first serious, but ultimately frustrated, attempt to broker a settlement. In the light of different theoretical and comparative approaches, the reasons for the dramatic return of terrorism and the possibilities of a more successful conflict de-escalation in the near future are discussed.