The Scottish government...intention to hold a second referendum on independence in the wake of Brexit...is illustrative of the wider dynamism of regionalism and secessionism.
The recent resurgence of economic nationalism, protectionism, and “authoritarian capitalism” has been polymorphic and contradictory. Moves away from multilateralism have often been justified by pleas in favor of “free but fair” trade, and bilateral liberalization.
Britain is a particularly interesting case. Among the paradoxes having surrounded the Brexit process, one stands out which underlines another manifestation of this polymorphism: the Scottish government (SG) has indeed announced its intention to hold a second referendum on independence in the wake of Brexit, which is illustrative of the wider dynamism of regionalism and secessionism.
As Britain is trying to regain some autonomy from the European Union (EU) therefore, internal challenges to its sovereignty are also intensifying. Yet, so far, mainstream Brexiteers’ and Scottish nationalists’ pursuit of economic autonomy has had little to do with autarky. Both movements, therefore, highlight the fact that economic nationalism should not be reduced to protectionism. Although they are opposed in their stances towards the EU, mainstream proponents of Brexit and of Scotland’s independence indeed share relatively similar (yet largely incompatible) objectives: that of diversifying their country’s commercial relations, and that of regaining control over economic policy through enhanced autonomy from specific political ensembles.
Canadian Foreign Policy Journal
Volume 26, 2020 - Issue 1: Trade and Conflict, p8-24
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