The Legitimacy Clash

The Legitimacy Clash brings together Alain-G. Gagnon's reflections over many decades on the nature of, and future for, multinational federalism. Drawing upon his unparalleled experience of Canada-Quebec relations, and embedded in a deep knowledge of comparative cases, Gagnon offers us a road map of principles and practice not only for Canada but for all multinational constitutions. This rich and engaging book is a highly significant intervention at a crucial time for diverse and complex polities. - Stephen Tierney, Professor of Constitutional Theory, University of Edinburgh The Legitimacy Clash sheds light on the role of Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities in federal countries. Alain-G. Gagnon's concept of a multinational federalism is forward looking. - Peter Bussjager, Professor of Law, University of Innsbruck and Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Principality of Liechtenstein The recognition and empowerment of nations in plurinational states requires that legality and legitimacy do not clash. And yet they often do, especially in the Western world. How should they be reconciled and what are the ingredients of a workable multinational federation? In this thought-provoking book, Alain-G. Gagnon completes his fascinating, life-long architecture of multinational federalism. - Francesco Palermo, Professor of Comparative Public Law, University of Verona and Director of the Institute for Comparative Federalism, Eurac Research