An isolated Scotland

Breaking up is hard to do | The Economist

In two years time, it is quite possible that we will see an independent Scotland. However, The Economist highlights the fact that this new state may not be able to stay in the EU, since it will effectively have to apply for membership and do what Spain's foreign minister describes as 'joining the queue'.

The debate comes from whether or not Scotland would qualify as a 'successor state' of the UK. This seems highly unlikely. With only 5m inhabitants (out of the UK's 63m) and less territory than the rest of the UK combined, Scotland will most likely have to declare itself truly independent of the UK's membership in international organisations such as the EU, NATO or perhaps even the UN.

Legal and political issues also stand in the way of Alex Salmond's wish for EU membership. EU law makes extremely vague references with regards to dealing with separation, since it has never happened to an existing member state. Politically, the EU's member states are concerned about growing separatist movements in their own countries, are therefore reluctant to endorse Scottish independence and send out a positive message to regions vying for independence (see list above).

Though the First Minister may dream of a free Scotland, he may find that separation will come at a huge cost to his fellow countrymen. Isolation could become the price that Scotland has to pay for independence.