CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2022
| Author | Macdonald, Callum |
|---|---|
| Title | A study of Scottish paradiplomacy since the UK's vote to leave the European Union in 2016 |
| Summary | This thesis seeks to establish the key characteristics of Scottish paradiplomacy since 2016 and assess whether the Brexit vote has led to a change in its volume or practice. With reference to Catalonia, the study also investigates whether the Scottish Government’s external activity fits the definition of ‘protodiplomacy’. Scrutinising the ‘good global citizen’ paradigm, this thesis considers the future of Scotland’s external affairs either as a sub-state or with independence. To explore these issues, the study draws from six interviews conducted with politicians and academics, as well as conducting a wider analysis of political discourse. The major findings indicate that Scotland’s paradiplomacy is largely typical of a sub-state and, in its current form, does not represent a threat to the sovereignty of the UK. While Brexit presented rhetorical opportunities for Scottish ministers and increased sympathy for Scotland’s position, the Scottish Government has stayed clear of more overt, protodiplomatic strategies. In the next few years, a focus on developing Scotland’s soft power, public diplomacy and informal networks appears to be the most likely approach. While the intention to be a ‘good global citizen’ is accompanied by a number of ‘ethical’ foreign policy pledges, a future government of an independent Scotland would face challenges in holding true to these, as the debate over Trident exemplifies. |
| Supervisor | Professor Tamás Meszerics |
| Department | Political Science MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2022/macdonald_callum.pdf |
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