Nation to Nation

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About the Book: 

Scotland has a distinctive place in the world. Nation to Nation explores how this unique relationship with the rest of the world has developed over the years and how it manifests itself today.

In this book Stephen Gethins combines his knowledge from years of work in the field – from the conflict zones of the former Soviet Union to the corridors of power in Westminster and Brussels – with insights from political, cultural and academic figures who have been at the heart of foreign policy in Scotland, the UK, Europe and North America.

Gethins looks at Scotland's foreign policy to better inform the debate about our country's future and its relationships with its neighbours near and far.

Reviews: 

Stephen Gethins’ book is so timely and important – it sets the scene for one of the most important debates and dialogues that Scotland is likely to face for a generation. MARK MULLER STUART QC, Beyond Borders Scotland

Nation to Nation is a vital contribution to the burgeoning debate surrounding Scottish foreign policy, within or outside the United Kingdom. Stephen Gethins uses his experience and expertise to present a clear-eyed view of where Scotland's interests lie and how best to advance them. TOM MACLEOD, Sky News

This book is both authentically Scottish and borne of Gethins' own eclectic international experience – a political hinterland stretching from Brussels to Nagorno-Karabakh. Nation to Nation is a perceptive, highly readable and very timely reflection on the place which Scotland has always had on the world stage, as well as on the role that beckons her in future.
DR ALASTAIR ALAN MSP

If you are curious about Scotland’s role in the world – what it is today and what it could be in the future – then this engaging, informative book is what you need. Full of new ideas, helpful examples, and fun historical details, from an author who knows the ins-and-outs of Scottish foreign policymaking first-hand. DR TAYLOR ST JOHN, University of St Andrews

Stephen Gethins brings deep knowledge, wide experience and sharp insight to the consideration of not just what the current relationship is between Scotland and the rest of the world, but to what it could be if we spoke for ourselves and looked to our own interests like every other normal nation in the world. Debating how we achieve that and what we do to develop it is a key task for the next few years as we build forward from the pandemic and Gethins has kicked off the debate in a constructive and informed way.
MICHAEL RUSSELL MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs

Just as individual states in the United States pursue their own foreign policy, it is important, and timely, that Scotland begin to articulate its own foreign policy as it seeks to establish itself as an entity committed to justice, rights, and cosmopolitanism. PROFESSOR CARON GENTRY, Head of the School of International Relations, University of St Andrews

About the Author:

STEPHEN GETHINS was the Member of Parliament for North East Fife from 2015 to 2019. He was appointed the SNP’s Europe Spokesperson when he was elected in 2015. After the 2017 General Election he was appointed Foreign Affairs and Europe spokesperson and led the SNP’s Scotland in the World Team at Westminster. Stephen was the first SNP Member of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee and he served for two terms. Before his election Stephen worked in democratisation and peace-building overseas including in the Western Balkans and South Caucasus. He also worked in the EU Committee of the Regions and Scotland House in Brussels. Stephen was a Special Adviser to Scotland’s First Minister from 2009 to 2013 and focused on energy, climate change, rural affairs, Europe and international affairs. He is currently a Professor of Practice at the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews. Stephen Gethins is a Trustee of the John Smith Trust, a Special Adviser at Beyond Borders Scotland and the Convener of EU+ME.