The Fascist Party in Wales? Plaid Cymru, Welsh Nationalism and the Accusation of Fascism

by Richard Wyn Jones

For decades, accusations have been made that senior figures among Welsh nationalists were sympathetic towards Fascism during the 1930s and World War II. In this controversial work, Wales’s most prominent political commentator, Richard Wyn Jones, assesses the truth of these charges, shedding new light on aspects of Plaid Cymru and its leadership during the period in question and bringing to light an important discussion on the political culture of contemporary Wales.

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2014

About the author

Richard Wyn Jones joined the staff of Cardiff University in February 2009 as Director of the Wales Governance. He is a Professor of Welsh Politics. Previously he was Professor of Welsh Politics and founding Director if the Institute of Welsh Politics at the Department of Welsh Politics in Aberystwyth University. Richard has written extensively on contemporary Welsh politics, devolved politics in the UK and nationalism. In addition, he was also one of the founders of Critical Security Studies. Richard is a regular and widely respected broadcaster, commentating on Welsh politics in both Welsh and English for the BBC in Wales and across the UK. He has also presented two TV series. Richard is also a regular columnist for the Welsh language current affairs magazine Barn.

Reviews

[Nathan Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting enough book, if a little short, that serves as a useful introduction to the debate over whether or not Plaid Cymru crossed the line into fascism in its early days. Whilst I agree in general with the conclusions the author draws, I do feel he comes across as overly partisan - he nails his colours to the mast fairly early on, and doesn't really do justice to the opposing point of view, which has more to it than is covered here. That said, this is still a decent addition to Welsh political literature, and well worth a read for anyone interested in the subject.