Discuss the reasons for and consequences of separatism with one example. (5)

Separatism is usually a feeling of isolation associated with a certaing roup of people or the region that they live it. Feelings of separatism can arise because the region feels economically depressed by a stronger economic core. For example, Scotland feels as though they get an unfair share of the money generated by the North Sea Oil reserves, as the money produced is sent to the UK treasury and a disproportionate amount is spent on developing Scotland. In addition to this, other feelings of separatism may arise from conflicting political ideologys; Scotland would like to rid itself of Trident, the Bedroom Tax, cuts on immigration and they want to remain part of the EU as 62% of them said in the vote. Unexpectedly, they feel confined by the rules of the UK as well as feeling culturally independent from them. Originally speaking Scottish Gaelic with it's own national church (Presbyterian) and having had idenpendence in the past which was won at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Scotland has develop a differing idenity to other UK nationalities, strengthening feelings of separatism. Although these are minor factors in comparison to Kurds who's language has been made illegal as well as any other cultural practices (including their flag), idenity in any case of separatism is usually important.

Unlike the reaction Kurdistan has experienced, Scottish separatist feelings have had relatively positive outcomes. The pressure of political divide has led to the formation of the Scottish Assembly, which allows Scotland more autonomy over its own policies. This has also raised the issue of the West Lothian question: the issue that Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales can vote on English matters, but not vise versa, highlighting issues about equal political power across the UK. It has also led to a referendum which has inspired the youth to become more politically involved, as the vote was extended to 16-17 year olds. Overall, Scotland has experiences a postitive shift in democratic trends, but other separatist issues have not been resolved so peacefully in less developed regions...