'Celtic Tradition and Regional Discontent: Cornish Nationalism Revisited'. (1st May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clark, Peder
• Is Part Of: Cornish studies. Volume 21:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 288
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 2013-05-01
• DOI: 10.1386/corn.21.1.288_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-9363

Abstract

Peder Clark, in this discussion of modern and contemporary Cornwall, turns his attention to Cornish nationalism. He alights upon Eric Hobsbawm's well-known assertion: 'The Cornish are fortunate to be able to point their regional discontents in the attractive colours of Celtic tradition, which makes them so much more viable'. Clark subjects Hobsbawm's contention to sustained analysis, probing the nature of the 'nationalist imagination' and asking why, if Hobsbawm had been correct, Cornish nationalism has not yet been successful. Contrary to Hobsbawm's assertion, Clark considers that adherence to 'Celtic tradition' has sometimes drawn Cornish nationalism into an electorally unattractive ethno-nationalism, while in-fighting and organizational uncertainty has held back the development of the various Cornish nationalist parties. In this article Clark argues that only recently has Mebyon Kernow developed a competent, credible civic nationalism that might bring greater rewards.