The Scottish independence debate has consequences for Scotland, British politics, the future of the UK - and internationally.

In Scotland Rising, Gerry Hassan addresses the key questions in this debate with a deep dive into its history, beyond the usual references to Thatcherism, Toryism and Westminster, by analysing the relative decline of the UK, the nature of the British state, its capitalist economy and politics that underpin it.

At the same time, a distinctive, autonomous Scotland has emerged beyond Nichola Sturgeon's SNP and independence that has demanded more self-government. Scotland Rising highlights the importance of culture, stories and collective voices in reshaping how people see Scotland, both in during the first referendum in 2014 and again today.

This debate is of relevance to everyone in the UK, including England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Can politics and democracy liberate people from the wreckage of Westminster? And if the Scots can, could it inspire others? Scotland Rising is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the future of Scotland and the UK.

About the Author
Gerry Hassan is a leading commentator on Scottish politics and independence. He is Professor of Social Change at Glasgow Caledonian University and the author of many books including The Strange Death of Labour Scotland, The People's Flag and the Union Jack and Caledonian Dreaming. He has written for The Guardian, openDemocracy, Bella Caledonia, The Scotsman, New Statesman and the Irish Times.

Reviews

'Readable, thoughtful and sharp-edged [...] Hassan's incisive and respectful account lays out the arguments for and against Scottish independence'

-- Gavin Esler, broadcaster and author of 'How Britain Ends'

'A comprehensive, well-sourced and very wide-ranging discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of Scotland's independence movement, as it faces the challenges of a second referendum. Hassan shows how sterile the extreme arguments of unionist and nationalist can be'

-- Neal Ascherson, writer and author of 'Black Sea'

'A careful consensual account of how Scotland has come to be at the brink of independence, and of what this choice means for those who are not who are not yet committed either way. A clear description of what has changed since 2014 leading to a forensic examination of the implications for independence of the new context: a far less self-assured British elite. And a clear warning of just how nasty this debate is likely to become, across the UK'

-- Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography, University of Oxford

'An important and timely contribution to the future of the Scottish independent movement'

-- Ruth Wishart, journalist and broadcaster

'Scotland needs this book. Read it. Give to your grandparents and grandkids. Put it on reading lists for students. Make sure it's in the libraries. It's one of the new pillars which we need to structure our thinking'

-- Alison Phipps, Professor of Languages & Intercultural Studies and UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts at University of Glasgow

'The definitive account of why a decaying democracy in Westminster has triggered democratic renewal in Scotland through the desire for Independence. [This] book is essential reading for everyone who wants to understand the future of the UK, whether it breaks up or how it reconfigures itself'

-- Neal Lawson, Director at Compass

'This book's distinction lies not just in its breadth of coverage, but in the light it sheds upon contesting points of view, and the depth to which it recognises identity, culture and the power of myth in Scottish independence. It emphasises the urgency of understanding opposing arguments to aid social change: an ability sadly lacking in most of the political world'

-- Alastair McIntosh, human ecologist and author of 'Riders on the Storm'

'This is a very welcome contribution on the Scotland's future that recognises that Scotland's constitutional future cannot be divorced from the kind of society and economy and this requires tough, honest choices. Not everyone will agree with Gerry's prescriptions but everyone should welcome this important, stimulating and serious book'

-- James Mitchell, Professor of Government, University of Edinburgh

'Too often arguments for or against Scottish independence are framed in short-termist narrow terms that reflect the confines of current - and flawed - economic debates. This book breaks out of today's thinking and looks to the bigger and deeper issues at stake'

-- Katherine Trebeck, political economist

'Scotland's future and our constitutional choices warrant deeper, richer debate - debate that allows for imaginative ideas, candid questioning and respect for diversity. With clarity and substance, this book speaks to important issues inherently implicated in such debates, thinking about what's at stake and why it matters'

-- Dr Hannah Graham, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Stirling University

'Scotland's future is not just about narrow politics, but the cultural realm, power of stories and drawing from the richness of the human imagination. [This] is a clarion call for that wider canvas challenging the closed order of too many of our debates and should be read by anyone interested in the future of this nation irrespective of their views'

-- David Greig, playwright and cultural commentator

'Scotland Rising is an indispensable guide to the current state of the independence debate and it deserves to be widely read and discussed'

-- 'Bella Caledonia'

'Scotland Rising is a deeply thought through weighty gift whose time has come. Hassan offers a chance of some deeper thinking about what it means to be human'

-- 'The National'

'Hassan deftly rephrases this issue to avoid a black and white discussion as to the merits of independence or union but as to which is best capable to dealing with the new challenges of the present era'

-- 'The Drouth'



Book Information
ISBN 9780745347264
Author Gerry Hassan
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Pluto Press
Publisher Pluto Press
Weight(grams) 338g