Scotland will vote for independence in late 2014. Further strengthening devolution as a process in the United Kingdom as ethnic communities push for greater autonomy. Given their historical background I would say that sympathy towards the Scottish cause is permissible, but this is negated the very moment a person realizes that we are really all the same. Nationalism is generally a conservative ideology and generally comes with the belief that if independence is achieved all of the problems in a region will be handled by "your own people," the good guys, patriots, YEAH! However, the reality is that globalization is expanding every day and assimilating us all into a more homogeneous world culture. There is a more liberal aspect to their nationalism, in the sense that many enlightened minds are keen to take anti-imperialist stances especially when examining the United Kingdom, but in the case where people are not being exploited it may be beneficial for a nation-state to remain part of the system regardless of historical wrongs. Why do supranational organizations exist in the first place? They bring us together. On many different topics, the world is brought together through these organizations to share their ideas and thoughts and hopefully mitigate everything that nationalism has always brought historically. Nationalism lead to Scotland being conquered in the first place. You can still be patriotic but not a nationalist, appreciating the benign aspects of culture without becoming militant over your state's power.
- Michael
This is a really interesting blog post. I had heard about the situation before, but never knew if it would really be taking place. I think it's good that Scotland gets the opportunity to vote for secession. I liked that you brought in different perspectives, such as the liberal one. I always thought people should have the right to express nationalism, but never really thought about other sides to it. My question: if Scotland votes for independence, do you think it will join NATO? What about the European Union?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hana, it would be very interesting to see if Scotland would join NATO or the EU. I would be interested to see if the UK would vote against allowing a newly formed Scotland to join either the EU or NATO.
ReplyDeleteAs far as joining NATO and the EU goes, it's tough to say. If Scotland votes for Independence, it will likely be more conservative people in power. That is to say, they could go full on nationalist and reject the idea of anything that would detract from their perceived sovereignty, or they could join the organizations to keep ties that have already been sort of established... I don't really know at this time. It's hard to say.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't want them to have independence, and many Scots don't want it either at the moment- but we will have to wait for 2014 and see. I don't think they'll get it though.
Though it is certainly not the best idea ever, I support Scottish Independence. Regardless of what happens, they will have to maintain an economic and political relationship with the UK. But if they do gain independence, they need to be prepared for the potential of anything given or maintained by the UK to disappear or change. I am not particularly well read on Scottish industry, but I can't imagine they will be able do but so well if the UK pulls out too much. In any case, I think the important issue is what they can and cannot do as their own entity. While the Scottish and the British are not but so different, their interests are not necessarily the same. In a severe (and unlikely) case, I don't see many people helping Scotland if the rest of the UK votes against it, because the world has a relationship with the UK that is very old, and most of the countries also probably can't afford to just throw that away.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of NATO and the EU, I can see Scotland joining the EU, but I do not see what its interest would be in being a member of NATO, so perhaps just a partner?
From my understanding the biggest problem with Scotland leaving is the oil revenue that currently funds the UK. However, that's probably what would only fund the Scottish economy. Somewhat silly, somewhat digging a hole for themselves. Nonetheless, they still want to use the pound. Would you say Scotland wants to become the Puerto Rico of the UK?
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