Within the next three years, the Scottish people will be asked to make the most important decision facing their country in 300 years: Should Scotland become independent of the United Kingdom? Should there be further devolution? Or should they remain within the Union, with the powers of the Scottish parliament maintained?

This is a conversation with Scottish, Ukanian, European and global dimensions. It is a moment for going beyond narrow certainties, unionist and nationalist labels, tribes and sectarian thinking, and encouraging a generous, pluralist discussion about Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England... and the future of these islands.

Scottish independence, Europe and the crisis of the British state

Gerry Hassan 11 May 2013

The Scottish nationalists want to win next years independence vote by saying things will not change while those opposing them paint 'separation' as a disaster yet call for the UK to leave the EU in order to... stay the same. What are we to make of it?

Is Scotland really the social democratic country It proclaims?

Gerry Hassan 20 August 2012

Scotland's idea of itself as an archetype of social democracy is the product of a bygone era. The left need to wake up to the fact that independence alone cannot bring a new politics, while the vision of a return to a pre-Thatcherite organisation fails to address the new problems and new potentials for change that we face today. 

Ignorant, and proud of it: the independence debate outside of Scotland

Gerry Hassan 3 July 2012

To what extent does Britain south of the border understand Scotland and the prospect of independence? A high-profile debate hosted by the Spectator, 'It's time to let Scotland go', revealed the limits of the debate: plenty of humour and bombast, dangerously little real engagement.

The Anxieties of a British Nationalist by Ed Miliband (aged 42 and two quarters)

Gareth Young 11 June 2012

The Labour leader's attempt to open a conversation on Englishness should be welcomed. But it stops short of real engagement, while its cack-handed clumsiness tell us much about the party and Miliband as a leader.

What lost, what gained for Scotland in the last 60 years?

Gerry Hassan 5 June 2012

As Britain remembers Queen Elizabeth's ascension, how has Scotland changed since 1952? A glance back in time to the archives of The Scotsman newspaper reveals a past with much to say about the nation's present and future.

As the Yes to Independence campaign begins, Scotland needs a vision for self-determination

Gerry Hassan 25 May 2012

The campaign is launched today for a Yes vote in the Scottish independence referendum. Here are seven suggestions for an independence agenda that looks beyond the constitutional to embrace the economic, cultural, democratic and international.

What is the case for the union?

Gerry Hassan 21 May 2012

The pro-union campaign in Scotland has retreated from making the positive case for the union. But a meaningful debate on Scotland's future requires an understanding of the arguments in its favour, whilst recognising the limits of a binary approach.

The price of independence: Scotland and Britain according to the Economist

Gerry Hassan 13 April 2012

The magazine 'The Economist' has declared its position on Scottish independence. Their warning to the Scots: 'it'll cost you'. Their stand-point typifies a market fundamentalist view of Britain that denies the vast potential of a Scotland free of the Union.

A greener Scotland? The SNP's promise and the minefield of delivery

Christian Eriksson 5 April 2012

The Scottish Nationalist Party has positioned itself as a leader in Europe on green issues. Then why the internal strife between the government and environmentally-conscious Scots?

Cameron and the future of the Union: a forum

Roger Scruton; Adam Ramsay; Tom Griffin; Robin Wilson; David Marquand; David Rickard; Cailean Gallagher; Nick Pearce; Suzanne Moore; Niki Seth Smith 20 February 2012
The Prime Minister has conceded that there will be a Scottish independence referendum and argued the case for the Union on these terms. This is a historic moment for Britain. openDemocracy asks its readers for their response in an open forum on the future of the Union.

Stronger, safer Scotland?

Rosemary Bechler 20 February 2012
Being part of the Union makes Scotland stronger, safer, richer and fairer. So says David Cameron, but Scotland is building an alternative vision of itself as a nation, outside the parameters of the neo-liberal model.

Alex Salmond’s Bannock Bairns?

Andrew Mycock and Jon Tonge 20 February 2012
The SNP wish to lower the age of franchise for Scotland's independence referendum to 16 years of age. Is it wise to ask 'wee bairns' to make the biggest decision the country has faced for a generation?

Scottish self-government and the case for the union

Gerry Hassan 17 February 2012
The Prime Minister's Edinburgh speech on the Union was a historic moment for British politics. Now Scots must find their answer to his claim that Scotland in the Union is 'stronger, safer, richer and fairer'.

So who will speak for a better Scotland?

Gerry Hassan 6 February 2012
The debate over the Scottish independence referendum plays into the old labels: unionism versus nationalism. Scotland needs to reach beyond these and ask difficult questions if there is to be real change.

Scotland needs a One Question Referendum. It is that simple!

Gerry Hassan 30 January 2012
The Scottish independence referendum may be more than a question of 'in' or 'out'. Would a third option - devo max - empower the people through more choice, or muddy the waters?

The social union between Scotland and the UK: how would it fare with independence?

Cailean Gallagher 30 January 2012
Crucial to the argument for Scottish independence is the idea that leaving the political union of the United Kingdom will not mean leaving the social union. But what is this 'social union'?

New faces of nationalism

Tom Nairn 26 January 2012
Around the globe, new forms of governance are being sought to counter-balance the hyper-empire of global capitalism. Scotland is developing its own resistance, could England follow suit?

Historic day for the UK: Salmond consults Scotland but can't civilise Paxman

Gerry Hassan 25 January 2012
Scotland's Prime Minister has launched a consultation with the people over the coming independence referendum. He seeks a calm, normal process but will Westminster let him have it? the tables are already turned as the nationalists are rational and the traditional Unionists become incoherent retro-romantics.

Time to take Britain out of our greatness

Anthony Barnett 25 January 2012

Finally, the nature and future of England may become part of the national debate in the UK, as Scotland's First Minister appeals to the English who have not spoken yet and IPPR announces the discovery of England's emerging political community.

Four ways to cook Scotland's referendum

Peter Kellner 16 January 2012
Behind the public row over who calls a Scottish referendum the negotiations that really matter will take place: over what alternatives are presented to Scottish citizens and how the answers are counted.

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