Managing Multiple Diversities: Belgian Federalism and the Flemish Politics of Integration

Abstract

Flemish nationalism has existed as long as the Belgian state itself. Initially, a primarily cultural and linguistic nationalism sought guarantees for the Dutch language and Flemish culture in Belgian public life and institutions. After World War Two, Flemish nationalism increasingly assumed a political character and sought fundamental change to the structure of the state. Constitutional reforms eventually transformed the country from a unitary nation-state to a highly decentralized federation.