Building a New Scotland: An independent Scotland's Place in the World

Summary

This eleventh paper in the ‘Building a New Scotland’ series sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for an independent Scotland in the world.

This summary shows that independence will mean that Scotland takes its place in the international community; alongside 193 other United Nations member states, able to join the European Union, with the powers necessary to protect its citizens and prosper in the global economy.

Independence would also mean that Scotland gets to determine the type of state it wants to be on that world stage – one that acts based on its values and principles, promotes human rights and development, and builds partnerships with other countries and international organisations to address global challenges.

An independent Scotland would be a good global citizen, working towards peace and security in the interests of Scotland’s people.

This summary is available in the other versions:

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The evidence that informs this summary, as well as references to sources, is provided in the [full text]

Scotland is a nation, with a long history and its own unique geography, reaching out into the North Sea and the North Atlantic. Our connections stretch across the border to England, and the rest of the United Kingdom, out into the Arctic and around the world. With independence, Scotland will become a new sovereign state on the world stage – the world’s most northerly non-Arctic country – with strong relationships with our nearest neighbours and closest friends in these isles.

Independence will mean that Scotland takes its place in the international community; alongside 193 other United Nations member states, able to join the European Union, with the powers necessary to protect its citizens and prosper in the global economy.

Independence would also mean that Scotland gets to determine the type of state it wants to be on that world stage – one that acts based on its values and principles, promotes human rights and development, and builds partnerships with other countries and international organisations to address global challenges. An independent Scotland would be a good global citizen, working towards peace and security in the interests of Scotland’s people.

This summary, of the eleventh paper in the ‘Building a New Scotland’ series, sets out this Scottish Government’s proposals for an independent Scotland’s place in the world. The full publication provides more details on these proposals, an analysis of the evidence that informs them, as well as references to sources.

Defence, peace and security in an independent Scotland

The defence and security of its people is the first duty of every independent country’s government. This paper sets out how an independent Scotland would benefit from a modern, effective and flexible defence and security capability.

An independent Scotland would have its own armed forces, supported by a modern contract for personnel and strong support for veterans. Decisions on future forces capability would be informed by a comprehensive, expert-led Defence and Security Review. This would ensure that planning and capability were responsive to the threat environment and geopolitical challenges in play at the point of independence. This would be aligned with Scotland’s priorities as an independent country – joining NATO, committing to the EU’s Common Security and Defence

Policy and building a collaborative, mutually beneficial defence and security relationship with the UK as well as other key strategic partners.

This Scottish Government proposes that an independent Scotland would apply to join NATO and would seek discussions with NATO leaders at the earliest opportunity following a vote for independence. It would commit to defence spending of 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), recognising NATO’s enduring commitment to invest in defence capabilities.

As part of the EU, this Scottish Government would also participate fully in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. Scotland would contribute to missions that support global peace and security, and in doing so, join the family of nations fully committed to the international rules-based system and multilateralism.

The third pillar of an independent Scotland’s defence and security policy would be our relationships with our nearest neighbours in the United Kingdom and Ireland. An independent Scotland would build on our strong relationships with the other nations and governments across these isles to ensure our mutual safety.

This Scottish Government would make it a cornerstone of defence policy that an independent Scotland would only participate in overseas military operations that are lawful, approved by Scottish Ministers, and authorised by the Scottish Parliament. Furthermore, nuclear weapons should be removed from Scotland in the safest and most expeditious manner possible following independence. Neither of these proposals would prevent Scotland’s ability to act in self-defence or join NATO.

An independent Scotland as a good global citizen

Within the constraints of the existing devolution settlement, Scotland is already doing what it can to be a good global citizen. Scotland is playing its part in tackling global poverty, climate change and threats to human rights and equality protections.

With the full powers of independence, this Scottish Government would commit to meet the UN target of 0.7% of Gross National Income on official development assistance (ODA) and establish a new ministerial portfolio dedicated to international development. An independent Scotland would also be able to enshrine the 0.7% commitment in law. This would give Scotland a sizeable aid budget with which to make an impact in the world’s poorest countries.

As an independent country with its own voice, and its own seat in multilateral organisations, Scotland could also do more to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises, making a positive contribution to the planet and its people. Scotland could join its voice with others, including those in the Global South, to champion their perspectives on climate justice and advocate for global vaccine equity or for debt relief.

And as an independent country, Scotland could negotiate directly, and become a state party to treaties, conventions or agreements which the UK has not signed or ratified. These include the Revised European Social Charter, which provides a range of rights on pay, workers’ rights and representation, and working hours, amongst others. As an independent country, Scotland could work with like-minded partners to advance an ambitious, progressive agenda and secure agreements in international forums aligned with our values and interests.

Networks for the future

Independence would mean building on existing networks around the world, as well as developing new ones.

Independence would, for the first time, enable Scotland to have a dedicated diplomatic network devoted to promoting and protecting Scottish interests. Alongside providing the necessary consular support for our citizens, these networks would promote Scotland as a hub for innovation, trade and investment. Following a vote for independence, this Scottish Government would begin building the capacity of our overseas consular and diplomatic network, as well as the functions necessary for defence and international security, while continuing to develop our ability to support Scotland’s trade and investment. An independent Scotland could build on its strengths to design an international footprint reflecting Scotland’s priorities in the 21st century, amplifying our voice and ensuring we capitalise on the new powers and responsibilities that independence would bring domestically and internationally.

Conclusion

Independence would enable Scotland to renew and strengthen its existing relationships on these islands and around the world and to develop cooperation with new partners in order to protect and promote the security and prosperity of the people of Scotland.

Independence would give us the chance to contribute more on issues like international development, climate change and the environment.

Scotland already makes a contribution on the world stage, where we can. With the powers of independence, we could build on our strengths and take our place as a state among equals in the global community.