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Fractured Intellectuals and the Nation: Cynog Dafis and Welsh Nationalism

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This paper assesses the idea of the intellectual in the context of Welsh nationalism and the wider literature of nationalism theory. Elsewhere, it has been postulated that these individuals represent the elite of nationalist movements and shape the aims of their respective nations. Our paper explores these claims by focusing on the case of Cynog Dafis, the former Plaid Cymru MP and AM. Chronologically, the paper covers major developments in contemporary Welsh nationalism from the formation of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg in 1962 to Cynog Daf is's retirement at the 2003 Assembly elections. We demonstrate how Cynog Dafis, as a symbol of the nationalist movement, has been faced with a series of dilemmas and choices concerning nationalist strategy and ideology. The paper argues that nationalist leaders, such as Cynog Dafis, are characterized by internal contradictions and tension, which reflect, as well as shape the nationalist movements of which they are a part.

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: September 1, 2008

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  • Contemporary Wales is at the forefront of research into economic, political and social sciences relating to Wales. It contains both academic and practitioner-based articles, annual economic and legal reviews, and book reviews. Its interdisciplinary content drawing on current research on Wales makes the journal essential reading for students and researchers across a range of subject areas, including political and social policy, history, law, media and languages. Contemporary Wales has published articles in English and in Welsh.

    Mae Contemporary Wales wedi’i gyhoeddi’n gan Wasg Prifysgol Cymru fel llwyfan ar gyfer ymchwil blaengar ar Gymru o safbwynt y gwyddorau economaidd, gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol. Mae'n cynnwys cyfuniad o erthyglau gan academyddion ac ymarferwyr, adolygiadau economaidd a chyfreithiol blynyddol, ac adolygiadau o gyhoeddiadau yn y maes. Mae natur rhyngddisgyblaethol y cynnwys sy'n seliedig ar yr ymchwil diweddaraf yn golygu bod y cyfnodolyn yn hanfodol i wleidyddion, gwneuthurwyr polisi, y cyfryngau, gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, llywodraeth leol yn ogystal â fyfyrwyr ac ymchwilwyr mewn ystod eang o feysydd gan gynnwys polisi gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol, hanes, y gyfraith, y cyfryngau a ieithoedd. Mae Contemporary Wales wedi cyhoeddi erthyglau yn y Gymraeg a’r Saesneg.

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