Nation to Nation
Wed, Nov 23rd 2022 at 12:50 pm - 2:00 pm
Stephen Gethins former MP for NE Fife.
Professor of Practice in International Relations.
23 November
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Speaking to the club was Stephen Gethins, former SNP MP for North East Fife and currently lecturer in International Relations in the University of St Andrews. He talked about the arguments outlined in his book ‘Nation to Nation: Scotland’s Place in the World’. He began by looking at Scotland’s historical role in the world, going back as far as William Wallace's ‘Letter of Lubeck’ which, he said, 'basically shows Scotland ready and open for business’; throughout the centuries Scotland has played an expansive role as part of the British Empire; Scotland's foreign policy footprint has long been wide-ranging. Today the influence continues, driven by our relationship with the rest of Europe and by global networking. Scotland has the most distinctive brand of any non-independent country. In St Andrews, the university has always been a significant international player. Stephen argued that Sottish-influenced foreign policy could bring hope to countries across the world. He described discussions of how to deal with our international relations as ‘a new look through a new lens’, then opened up the meeting to discussion and questions from the floor. These raised the issues of the need among politicians for understanding rather than confrontation, concern at the threat to free-speech especially in universities (Stephen felt it was still robust, though there was the need always to be mindful). A final topic: when formal links at government level weaken or fail, engagement at grass-roots level becomes even more important, so the good works of Rotary across the world become ever more vital. This was a thought-provoking talk, showing the need for discussion, communication and understanding. Michael Carslaw gave the vote of thanks.
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