Scotland now : a warning to the world
Gallagher, Tom2015
Books, Manuscripts
Find it!
A remarkable series of events in Scotland means that Scottish Nationalism has never been closer to realising its goal of splitting the island of Britain in two. If it succeeds, a territorial union which has been an anchor of stability in Western Europe and a durable influence much further afield will be no more. As for Scotland, its ageing post-industrial population will confront sharp economic challenges in a post-British state. Yet a giddy, risk-taking mood prevails. Populists like Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon enjoy celebrity status for their skill in whipping up grievances on generous financial terms. The rowdy street agitation of 2014-15 may seem immature and parochial. But Scotland is in the vanguard of a new upsurge in identity politics which is also rocking many other parts of the West. Figures who were confined to the political fringes in calmer times have exploited shifts in culture and social behaviour so as to create a climate of revolt which has left political elites reeling. How political giant-killers altered the landscape of British politics is a fascinating story. But Scotland now: a wanring to the world also argues that other states as outwardly cohesive as Britain, are vulnerable to challenges from populists able to surf the wave of identity politics.
Main title:
Scotland now : a warning to the world / Tom Gallagher.
Author:
Imprint:
Edinburgh : Scotview publications, 2015.
Collation:
346 p., ; 21 cm.
Dewey class:
320.54
Language:
English
BRN:
3455475