【Reported by Yu-xuan Zhou, Jin-yu Cai, Tamkang Times】The vote for Scotland’s independence ended with the majority of voters in opposition of any change. The details of their choice is related to an extensive history that is mostly unknown to outsiders. Vice President of International Affairs, Wan-chin Tai, invited English Diplomat and Professor of the Institute of European Studies, David Coates, to analyze the vote and shed some light for inquiring minds.

On October 7th Wan-chin Tai hosted the lecture presented by David Coates, which was titled, “The Analysis of Citizen Voting in Scotland.” Wan-chin Tai stated, “This is a very valuable topic and worth taking a deeper look. Moreover we have someone who can give us invaluable insight on the recent happenings of the country and what it symbolizes.” David Coates’ analysis was a historic trip that travelled as far back as the 17th century. He mentioned and detailed many records involving the alliance between Scotland and England, which has been a 307 year old relationship. He stated, “The independence of Scotland would bring their government more rights and control. It would undoubtedly create a difficult situation for the country of England.”

At the end of the lecture, Dean of the College of Science, Bo-chang Wang, asked, “What might be the effects if Scotland had decided to become an independent country?”

David Coates answered, “I fear that if they would have chosen independence, it would have lead to economic instability.”

Bo-cheng Wang then followed with a question, “If you had been able to vote, would you have chosen to support or reject Scotland’s independence?”

David Coates responded, “Well their independence would have changed everything from oil, imports and exports, etc. It would have created more chaos than good so I would have definitely voted against it.”

(Picture provided by Guo-zhen Wu)