JUST PHILOSOPHISING - ON THE CATALONA REFERENDUM DEBACLE, AND THE CHALLENGE OF THE CONTEMPORARY STATE! PART 2.

Probably the biggest, or one of the biggest challenges of all contemporary governments.  Is that of how the centre can hold on to making its relevance to the outer reaches of its domain, felt and shared by their inhabitants. 

How does the centre, the central government of the country, especially when its land mass is massive, and its people can be counted in their tens and even hundreds of millions? 

As is the case with countries such as the United States of America, India, China, Russia, Brazil, Nigeria, and, yes, Spain.

How is this perceived crucial relevance of the centre, to hold  strongly over all the country, especially the outer reaches.  

When, and if, the perception of the people of those areas, it that the centre and its inhabitants, only take from then and give back nothing, or too little? 

That they are expected to pay the same amount of tax, and that local natural resources in their areas, are being exploited by the centre.  
But that their regions are being neglected, when it comes to investing in their infrastructure and economic, social and environmental welfare? 


Probably especially so today, when more people are becoming alienated from and despondent about party politics.  

The governments of individual countries need to be much more aware of and responsive to the particular concerns of individual regions, provinces, etc which comprise the state. 

If they fail to do so, then the are placing the preservation of the country as a single entity at great risk. 

It is probably not difficult to comprehend why this is so. When we consider that, the first concern of a responsible person, is that which pertains to him or herself and their family. 

Then the second concern it that which pertains to their home and their local area. Their local community, their village or town, etc. 

Only then, as their concerns reverberate outward, dependent on the level of threat their perceive approaching them from outside of these immediate focal points.  Do they become more focus on the national concerns of their country. 

Do they become more willing to prioritise national and international threats, above the more immediate ones which are affecting them. 

It is at that point that the ordinary citizen is likely to make the decision to risk his/her welfare and life, and those of their families, to defend the integrity of the state. 

Unless he/she happens to be among the smaller percentage of citizens, for whom political activity, and national and international concerns are a significant part of their lives. 

As opposed to the majority for whom their immediate region is the centre of gravity, and national politics is something they indulge in mainly during election times; by voting or deciding not to vote.

To be continued.