Devolution in the United Kingdom: The Effectiveness of Scottish Non-Central Government Representation in International Affairs

Abstract

<p>This thesis explores how Scottish devolution has affected the representation of Scottish interests in the UK foreign policy process and in international affairs. The literature on non-central governments in foreign policy is used to indicate the specific motivations, methods and conditions which contribute to effective representation of NCGs' interests in external affairs. This is complemented by the literature on European integration which describes the most prominent international arena for Scottish international activity and the conditions conducive to NCG activity in it. The argument of the thesis is that the institutional arrangements for Scottish activity in the UK foreign policy and international affairs, while defining a clear role for Scotland, do not fulfill the conditions which the literature suggests will result in the effective representation of Scottish interests. This will be demonstrated through an exploration of the institutional arrangements for Scottish international activity - most clearly defined by the Memorandum of Understanding and supplementary agreements - and the likely impact of these arrangements on the conduct of Scottish representation in the UK foreign policy process and in international affairs.</p>