Evidence-Based Policy Research to Inform the ENP: Five Recommendations for Europe and its Neighbours |
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| Authors: | Paolo Dardanelli James Mitchell |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Politics and International Relations, University of Kent;2. School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh |
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| Abstract: | The September 2014 referendum is a milestone in Scotland’s history. After 307 years of union with England and a 15-year experience with devolution, Scottish nationalism is within reach of its ultimate goal. Independence would be consensual and Scotland and the rest of the UK would retain multiple links. The EU dimension looms large in the debate and is entangled with the UK’s own review of its membership. Scotland’s referendum is part of a wider trend seeing other ‘stateless nations’ in the democratic world pursuing independence. Even if opinion polls indicate voters will likely reject secession, Scotland’s experience holds important lessons for the wider world. |
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| Keywords: | Scotland UK independence Europe |
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