267: Wales: The Roar of the Red Dragon

The podcast explores the complex relationship between Wales and England, questioning whether Wales can be considered England's colony. Professor Martin Jones, author of "Wales, England's Colony?", provides insights into how Wales has historically defined itself against England, particularly after the military conquest and imposition of colonial laws that relegated the Welsh to second-class citizens. The discussion spans from the Roman era and the Welsh claim to Roman lineage, through the Norman conquest and Edward I's construction of symbolic castles, to the Acts of Union and the impact of industrialization. The conversation also covers the Welsh language's struggle for survival, the rise of rugby as a unifying symbol, and the modern dynamics of Welsh nationalism, including the impact of Brexit and the potential for future constitutional changes.