Scottish nationalism and the idea of Europe. Concepts of Europe and the nation

Abstract:

This work explores the tensions that arise between nationalism and integration and asks whether or not they can coexist. It is organised over six chapters surrounded by an introduction and a conclusion.

Chapter one asserts the exceptional character of Scottish nationalism and its value to the study of nationalism. Chapter two then explores Scottish nationalism in the context of Europe. The idea of Europe and the relationship between processes of European integration and Scotland are examined in chapter three. The findings of interviews with members of the Scottish intelligentsia between 1994 and 1995 are discussed in chapter four. The historical background to the three visions arising from those interviews is the focus of chapter five, while the place of those ideas in Scottish society, tested through opinion polls and surveys, is assessed in chapter six. The conclusion presents a summary of the argument and the theoretical issues raised by the research.

The work will interest scholars, students and researchers of British political history, nationalism and contemporary Europe.

Atsuko Ichijo is Research Project Officer working on a European Commission-funded international research project, EURONAT, at the European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science. This book is based on her doctoral thesis.

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