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Scotland and the United Kingdom: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

Scotland and the United Kingdom: Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

Almost half of Scots want to separate from the United Kingdom (UK) and form their own independent and sovereign state, which would end their three-century “marriage of convenience.” In recent years, the central tug-of-war in Scottish politics has been between unionists who want the UK to remain united and separatists or nationalists who want Scotland to separate from the UK. In Scotland, its constitutional future—whether it remains in the UK or emerges as a sovereign state—defines political discussions and its entire political situation. However much such nationalists want a "divorce," they are finding that "breaking up is hard to do." In 2014, a referendum that garnered international attention was supported by just under half of Scots. While that move to separate was unsuccessful, the Scottish National Party is currently calling for a second referendum on independence. This special one-week forum presented by Professor of Political Science Lynda Barrow will explore the events surrounding these calls for Scottish independence, which is only the most recent chapter in the long story of Scottish independence and the union between Scotland and the rest of the UK, particularly England. The presentation will begin by providing background about the history of Scotland’s relationship with England and the UK. It will then explain Scotland’s 2014 referendum, including the issues it involved, why it failed and subsequent efforts to achieve independence. We will discuss the role of Brexit in this debate, the evolution of politics and arguments in the decade since 2014 and the ongoing push by nationalists to hold a second referendum. Throughout, Dr. Barrow will share perspectives on these events gathered during her interviews with members of the Scottish parliament.

Thursday Forum is held in Kesler Auditorium on the first floor of Hickok Hall. Each weekly session begins with registration and refreshments from 8:45-9:15 AM, followed by the lecture until 11:30 AM. The presentations blend lecture, media such as film and music, and discussion.

Admission to each four-week forum series is $40. Admission to individual lectures and one- and two-week forums is $12 per week. Admission includes the lecture and morning refreshments of coffee, tea and pastries. Payment can be made in person on Thursday mornings by cash or personal check. Credit card payments can be processed by registering online in advance at www.coe.edu/thursday-forum. For more information, visit the Thursday Forum website or call 319.399.8523.

In the event of inclement weather, consult local media outlets to find out if the day’s forum will take place.