Will an Independent Scotland Weaken the UK?

This week it was confirmed that in 2014 Scotland will hold a referendum on independence. The possible implications for foreign and security policy of a newly independent Scotland and a 'rump' UK' have been largely neglected to-date. If Scotland went its own way it could determine its foreign and European policies. While at present many aspects of domestic policy are devolved to the Scottish Parliament and Government, external policy including foreign affairs and intelligence and security remain under the control of Westminster. Independent Scotland would need to create the necessary infrastructure of a foreign ministry and overseas embassies and arrangements to provide for its own security and defence policy. The major impact of independence will fall on Scotland in its requirement to create a foreign and security policy and seek membership of regional and international organizations including the United Nations.