Brexit undoubtedly highlighted the question of identity in British politics. English nationalism was at the heart of the EU referendum victory with many Leave voters told that Global Britain could soon recover its former glory under the guise of Empire 2.0. There was little such sentiment in Scotland which voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. But the legacy of empire and … [Read more...] about Scotland must lead in confronting its imperial past
A very Scottish foreign policy
If Scotland were to go independent in the next few years what kind of foreign policy might it pursue and how might it best establish a new diplomatic service? Given the rapidity of change in global affairs (the rise of China, a more assertive Russia, the impact of Trump, the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change,migration...), flexibility should be a key principle. Larger countries … [Read more...] about A very Scottish foreign policy
A new-style Scottish foreign policy
Let’s assume Nicola Sturgeon gets her way and wins a second independence referendum following Brexit. How might a Scottish foreign policy look?In the interregnum while Scotland prepared to exit the UK it would have to disentangle itself from the British diplomatic service and plan for an independent foreign policy. There would be several bureaucratic and budgetary battles … [Read more...] about A new-style Scottish foreign policy