Definition

Proper noun A militant separatist organization formed in Corsica in 1999. Its stated aim was to oppose perceived collusion between Corsican nationalist political groups and organized crime syndicates (the Corsican mafia). The group typically targeted property and symbolic sites associated with French colonial authority on the island, rather than causing mass casualties.

Examples

• The Corsican Army claimed responsibility for the bombing of a vacant government building.
• Attacks by the Corsican Army often targeted construction sites and second homes owned by mainland French.
• The Corsican Army emerged as a splinter group from other nationalist movements on the island.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and political analyses of Corsican nationalism and low-intensity conflict in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
• In journalistic contexts, it is frequently mentioned alongside other groups like the FLNC (National Liberation Front of Corsica) when discussing separatist violence.

Variants and Related Words

• Armata Corsa: The original Corsican/Italian name for the organization, meaning "Corsican Army." This name is often used interchangeably in English-language reports.
• Corsican nationalism: The broader political ideology seeking greater autonomy or independence for Corsica from France.
• Separatist group: A general term describing organizations like the Corsican Army.

Synonyms

• Militant group
• Separatist organization
• Armed faction

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to a single, historically-contextualized organization. It is not a generic term for any military force from Corsica. The primary meaning is tied to its activities as a clandestine, politically-motivated armed group.

Noun

1. a terrorist organization founded in 1999 to oppose the link between nationalists and the Corsican mafia
   • the attacks of Armata Corsa are aimed at symbolic targets of colonialism in Corsica