The Significance and Implications of the Scottish Independence Referendum

Abstract

On 18 September 2014 Scotland will undertake an historic vote to determine whether it wishes to remain within the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland. The significance of this event for the future of the UK cannot be understated. Whether the Scots return a ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ vote, the announcement of the result will only be the beginning of an extended series of negotiations. If Scotland votes to leave the UK, the negotiations obviously involve a complex set of issues about currency, debt, jurisdiction, security, resources, citizenship, and many others. If Scotland decides to remain within the UK, the subsequent negotiations are only less complicated in that the relationship is not formally severed; however both sides of the debate, the “Yes Campaign” and the “Better Together Campaign”, have signalled that in the event of a No vote, the very concept of devolution will have to be rethought, with significantly expanded powers being transferred to the Scottish Parliament. Beyond the UK, it would also be difficult to minimize the implications of the Scottish independence referendum for the rest of Europe. The Scottish case has quickly become a focal point for scholars, politicians and activists interested in regional devolution and national independence within the European Union. European politicians have weighed in on the Scottish independence debate with a clear set of specific priorities related to their own national and perceived international interests. This panel will explore many of major the issues surrounding the Scottish independence question and its international significance. Five leading scholars in the analysis of Scottish and European devolution, institutions, public opinion and public policy will offer brief presentations in their area of expertise, though the majority of the roundtable will focus on addressing questions raised by the ECPR community of scholars in a Q&A format.