Scotland in the UK: A Dissolving Union?

In: Nationalism and ethnic politics, Band 2, Heft 2, S. 232-257

Abstract

Examines origins & current status of the position of Scotland in the UK, which rests on a contractual arrangement by which Scotland abolished its state while retaining its distinctive civil institutions. The union state contract was founded on (1) common values, (2) economic interest, (3) institutions in state & civil society, (4) policy, (5) the party & class systems; & (6) an external support system, all of which were challenged in the 1990s. A substantial majority of Scots now favor constitutional change & the establishment of an elected Scottish parliament. The UK has resisted home rule for Scotland & Scottish public opinion is increasingly favoring secession. Without constitutional change, the conflict will only increase. 1 Table, 3 Figures. Adapted from the source document.