This is a past event
A public lecture by Professor Michael Keating.
Scotland has long been recognised as a stateless nation. Its identity was carried by a distinct civil society, historical memories and a cultural references but its politics was expressed through the Union, in which the main issues were taken to Westminster for resolution. During the twentieth century, Scottish identity was progressively politicised, leading to devolution at the end of the century. The 2014 referendum campaign strengthened this political community but did not break the Union. While the referendum question was based on traditional ideas of statehood (either the union or an independent Scotland) the world has moved beyond the classic ideas of sovereignty. The electorate recognise this, and in practice both sides adapted their appeals in search of the middle ground. Like other stateless nations, Scotland is in a state of 'post-sovereignty' although we have not found a constitutional formula to express this.
Professor Michael Keating holds the Chair in Scottish Politics at the University of Aberdeen. From 2010 until 2013 he was also an ESRC Professorial Fellow, and in 2013-14 was ESRC Senior Fellow on the Future of the UK and Scotland programme. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; of the British Academy; of the Academia Europea; and of the Academy of Social Sciences. He is currently director of the ESRC Centre on Constitutional Change, a consortium of teams from five institutions to examine the issues arising from the Scottish constitutional debate.
Snacks and refreshments will be available in NK10 from 6pm and after the lecture.
The lecture is co-hosted by the University’s Politics & International Relations Society and the Centre for Citizenship, Civil Society and Rule of Law (CISRUL). CISRUL is preparing a volume on the topic of political community, which will include a chapter reporting on political engagement among 16 and 17-year olds in Aberdeen City and Shire schools.
- Speaker
- Professor Michael Keating
- Venue
- New King's 10, University of Aberdeen