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Small nations would join forces in larger unions. That is, when it's advantageous for two nations to be part of a union, but neither wants to truly merge with t

by anon4 12y ago

Small nations would join forces in larger unions. That is, when it's advantageous for two nations to be part of a union, but neither wants to truly merge with the other, you get things like the EU. A deeper hierarchy, i.e. small governments which are themselves working as part of a larger government might lead to better local policies than what we have now.

ZeroGravitas 12y ago
The two smaller nations created from the UK after a yes vote would already be co-members of a variety of overlapping organisations/unions/treaties, such as Nato, the commonwealth, various EU-related things. Independence, Independence with a currency union, further devolution, the current status quo and what it was like a decade ago are all points on a spectrum rather than a black and white thing.
- ascorbic 12y ago
  They wouldn't though. The UK (or what remains of it) would be a member of those organisations. Scotland would be a member of almost none of them. There is certainly a spectrum of different levels of devolution, but make no mistake: there is a massive chasm at the point of actual independence. It changes everything.
  - ZeroGravitas 12y ago
    If what you say is true, then it would be monumentally self-defeating behavior from all involved. I can see why game theory might suggest various threats might make sense at this point, before the vote, but after the vote has taken place, it would no longer in be in the UK's simple economic interest to maintain that stance.
  - meatcider 12y ago
    Although Scotland would at least have the choice as to whether to apply to join or not. Choices it does not have at present. If Scotland remains part of the UK and a future Westminster government (which Scotland would be unlikely to affect at the ballot box) initiates an in/out EU referendum how much do you think Scotland's opinion would be worth?

by anon4 12y ago

ZeroGravitas 12y ago

The two smaller nations created from the UK after a yes vote would already be co-members of a variety of overlapping organisations/unions/treaties, such as Nato, the commonwealth, various EU-related things. Independence, Independence with a currency union, further devolution, the current status quo and what it was like a decade ago are all points on a spectrum rather than a black and white thing.

ascorbic 12y ago
They wouldn't though. The UK (or what remains of it) would be a member of those organisations. Scotland would be a member of almost none of them. There is certainly a spectrum of different levels of devolution, but make no mistake: there is a massive chasm at the point of actual independence. It changes everything.
- ZeroGravitas 12y ago
  If what you say is true, then it would be monumentally self-defeating behavior from all involved. I can see why game theory might suggest various threats might make sense at this point, before the vote, but after the vote has taken place, it would no longer in be in the UK's simple economic interest to maintain that stance.
- meatcider 12y ago
  Although Scotland would at least have the choice as to whether to apply to join or not. Choices it does not have at present. If Scotland remains part of the UK and a future Westminster government (which Scotland would be unlikely to affect at the ballot box) initiates an in/out EU referendum how much do you think Scotland's opinion would be worth?