If I were a Scot, I don't know how I would be able to decide which way to vote. The impulse toward autonomy collides with the value of "economies of scale". A

If I were a Scot, I don't know how I would be able to decide which way to vote. The impulse toward autonomy collides with the value of "economies of scale". A small autonomous entity has to provide its needs for itself, or wind up negotiating with numerous other entities to assure having necessary resources, not likely a stable or reassuring situation to be in. It appears parallel to the episodic waves of industrial consolidation and fragmentation. Innovations start off as small local efforts which begin to "catch on", and the idea spreads. Over time small autonomous enterprises begin to merge because of efficiency pressure, until only a few giants remain. Eventually, innovations challenge the giants' dominance and the cycle renews. Political entities rise and fall, empires grow and decompose. It's not a static process, and it is very evident that some small nations survive and some large ones have not. For regions and nations the key must be finding the best dynamic balance between autonomy and the benefits of larger pools to provide for common interests. It is a very tough goal to accomplish. To take the USA as example, there are problems with state-to-state differences as it is. Health care is a currently prominent example. Arguably, my health needs don't change if I move to a different state, is it logical that health care should vary greatly one state to another? Should there be less or more autonomy in this regard? There are advocates on both sides, in any case, a delicate federal vs. state balance exists that's risky to disrupt. Large-system uniformity and efficiency are beneficial when it works, and miserable when it does not. Perhaps the best we'll do is, where possible, keep working to improve inter- and intra-regional communication, respect and cooperation. I know, that's hardly an answer to the question, but I don't think there is really any answer at all.