Most key issues that are vital for national wellbeing – trade, finance, the rule of law, security, and the physical environment – depend at least as much on the presence of effective regional and global institutions. Even if Scotland declares independence, it will – and should continue to be – bound by a dense web of European and global rules and responsibilities.
二十一世纪国际政治可能不再只是民族国家的政治。大部分决定国民福利的关键问题——贸易、金融、法治精神、安全和环境——至少在很大程度上取决于高效的地区和全球机构的存在。即使苏格兰宣布独立，它也会并且应该继续受到欧洲和全球规则和责任的恢恢之网的约束。