Diplomacy of separatist regions: Catalonia as a model

It also examines the concept of "parallel diplomacy," as one of the tools used by sub-state actors, through which regions with separatist tendencies seek to build foreign relations independent of the mother state, with the aim of strengthening their international legitimacy and promoting their cause. The study examines the factors that contributed to the emergence of this type of diplomacy, including the legal and political dimensions represented by the nature of the relationship between the central government and regional governments, the structural dimensions that reflect economic and social contexts, as well as the cultural and national factors that form a distinct identity that drives secession.A section of the study also defines the Catalonia region, in terms of its political history, legal status within the Spanish state, and its cultural and linguistic identity. It also discusses the reasons behind Catalonia's resort to parallel diplomacy, particularly in light of the political escalation between Barcelona and Madrid, and the region's efforts to gain international recognition of its independence through diplomatic moves outside the framework of the central state. These efforts included opening foreign missions, holding meetings with international officials, and organizing global media campaigns.In addition to the above, the study sought to analyze this phenomenon within the broader framework of understanding the concepts of sovereignty, legitimacy, and the function of the state in light of the rise of separatist tendencies worldwide, particularly under decentralized democratic systems.