National sustainabilities

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the potential for developing a stronger connectionbetween the two significant discourses of sustainable development and nationalism. While there has been limited academic enquiry into the relationships that might exist between these two discourses, we draw on the case study of Wales since 1999 to show how policy-makers are increasingly examining the potential for promoting a more fruitful dialogue between them. We examinehownationalist discourses in Wales have led to the development of a form of sustainable development that is allegedly more attuned to Welsh national values and identities. We also show how sustainable development is being used to imagine new and possibly more inclusive kinds of futures for the Welsh nation. We conclude by reaffirming the fruitful synergies that might exist between sustainable development and nationalism while acknowledging the tensions that arise in seeking to make connections between them.

Governing the future and the search for spatial justice: Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act

“…One of the most clear-cut examples of this emphasis was the naming of 'The Wales we Want' exercise, described earlier. Evidently, the common-sense geographical frame of reference for sustainable development and wellbeing in this case is Wales (Jones & Ross 2016). Some of the Welsh Government's statements about the significance of sustainable development and well-being -both prior to and following 'The Wales we Want' consultation -reinforce this geographical connection with Wales as a nation.…”

“…There is, clearly, an attempt in the Act to focus public and policy attention on the long-term futures of Wales, particularly in relation to its society, economy, culture and environment. The promulgation of the Act was preceded by a large-scale consultation exercise, entitled 'The Wales we Want' (Jones & Ross 2016). The aims of the exercise were numerous.…”

“…What is not in doubt is the way in which the vision of the future encapsulated in the Well-being Act extends well beyond GDP or GVA to encompass plural measures of justice and the 'good life'. And as a result, this interpretation of well-being and justice is one that is said to be embedded in key aspects of a Welsh national culture (Jones & Ross 2016).…”

“…Baker & McGuirk 2017). There is a need, likewise, to examine how the governance of the future becomes embedded in various ways in particular states, nations and regions (Jones & Ross 2016). Equally, we should develop a more explicit awareness of how the governance of the future is played out across a series of connected geographical scales, ranging from the global to the embodied and everything else in between (Diprose et al 2008).…”

“…It is also an Act that seeks to govern the future of Wales in explicit ways. The passing of this Act places an onus on all public bodies in Wales to consider the impact that their present policies and procedures might have on future generations and, moreover, to ensure that their actions in the present will help to maximise the well-being of Wales' citizens of the future, with the year 2050 acting as a significant end goal (Jones & Ross 2016). I also discuss in this section the methods and fieldwork that underpin the arguments I make in the article.…”