Scotland's Choices: How Independence and Devolution Max Would Work

In 2014, Scotland's citizens will cast their vote on a referendum for independence and, potentially, a second question on "devolution max." If they reject both scenarios, the Calman Commission, which seeks to tie Scotland even tighter to the United Kingdom, will likely go into effect. If the Scots say "yes" to independence and/or devo-max, Westminster, the United Kingdom, and the Scottish nation will enter unprecedented political waters.

This volume explains the three options for statehood currently available to the Scottish people and explores the possible effect of independence or a Calman regime. A fair and balanced study, the text features a range of opinions and empirical research and focuses not on which option is likely to win but on how each would be put into practice. Written by political experts reporting from the heart of the Scottish independence struggle, this volume subverts political spin and engages with key issues genuinely connected to Scotland's potential devolution, including the nation's future role in the European Union, possible changes to social citizenship and the welfare state, and the next phase of fiscal federalism.