If Scotland were to become independent and join the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt) it would signal a significant shift in its international relations and trade partnerships. Joining EFTA could provide access to the European single market, while aligning with BRICS could open up opportunities for trade and collaboration with emerging economies. However, it would also require careful negotiation and consideration of the economic and political implications for Scotland.
In the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), it could potentially benefit from access to the European Economic Area (EEA) market through the EFTA-EEA agreement. This would provide Scotland with access to the single market, similar to the arrangement Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein have with the EU.
However, joining EFTA would require negotiations and agreements with both EFTA and the EU, as well as addressing various economic, regulatory, and political considerations. EFTA membership is thought to take around three months to negotiate. These talks with EFTA could commence the day after Scotland removes the millstone that is England from around its neck!
How EFTA/EU would react to Scotland also joining or having arrangements with BRICS would be dependent on who was running the EU at that time. If it is as now and the WEF/Globalist warmongering US poodles that remain in charge then it would most probably cause huge difficulties for Scotland.
Economically, joining BRICS could offer Scotland access to a dynamic group of emerging markets, presenting opportunities for trade and investment.Scotland with vast oil and gas reserves would be welcomed into the fold. BRICS already has 48% of the entire global oil production in their membership or awaiting membership.
Scotland could benefit from access to new markets for its exports. It would be especially beneficial for our whisky exports. The most significant barrier for Scotch Whisky exports to India at present is the 150% import tariff, comprising of a 50% Basic Customs Duty and 100% Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess. This is very high by both global standards and those of other major emerging economies. Inside BRICS and as an independent nation Scotland would be in a far better negotiating position with tbe Indian Government.
Additionally, membership in BRICS could facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing, supporting Scotland’s efforts to develop its renewable energy sector and foster innovation. As an example both UAE and Saudi are both heavily investing into R&D in the renewable field. Scotland at present is ham strung by the UK Government who have little interest into any R&D in any industry, barring weaponry!
Scotland’s economy would also face challenges in aligning with the BRICS nations. The size disparity between Scotland and the BRICS members could pose difficulties in terms of negotiating trade agreements. However, Scotland’s relatively small but highly educated population allied to our vast natural resources could use its abilities to fully leverage the benefits of BRICS membership.
Politically, joining BRICS is a double edged sword. On the one hand it could enhance Scotland’s international standing and provide a platform for promoting its interests on the global stage. As a member of BRICS, Scotland would have a voice in discussions on key global issues such as climate change, trade, and security. This could help Scotland assert its identity and pursue its own foreign policy objectives independent of the United Kingdom.
The downside is the neoliberal/neocon governments of the so-called democratic West. As we have seen with Gaza and Ukraine truth and treating all parties evenhandedly is not a western trait. Huge pressures are likely to be exerted upon Scotland to refrain from having any dealings with the BRICS nations.
It is all a matter of timing. It cannot be denied that the US and ultimately the entire western hegemony is on a rapid decline.Meanwhile,BRICS, multipolarity and de-dollarisation are on an upward trajectory. Sooner or later out of necessity the belligerent western nations will need to reach an accommodation with the global south. Times they are a changing and the sooner good sense prevails, the better!
Scotland would need to carefully navigate these dynamics to avoid isolation and maintain productive relationships with its key partners. However, independence is about choosing your own foreign policy. Your own defence policy, your own political and economic alliances and trading blocs. There is no point in reclaiming our independence to still continue to bend to England’s choices of alliances, trading partners etc.
Strategically, joining BRICS could offer Scotland new avenues for cooperation in areas such as defense and security. Collaboration with BRICS members on issues like counterterrorism and cybersecurity could enhance Scotland’s national security capabilities and contribute to regional stability. Additionally, BRICS membership could provide Scotland with opportunities for joint military exercises and defense technology partnerships. Let’s be honest England’s foreign policy choices since 1707 have not ever been in Scotland’s best interests, only England’s interests have ever been relevant.
Lastly,it would also assist RUK and the west’s best interests to have a friendly nation like Scotland on the inside of what is emerging as the biggest global trading bloc the world has ever seen.
In conclusion, the prospect of an independent Scotland joining BRICS presents both opportunities and challenges across economic, political, and strategic dimensions. While BRICS membership could offer Scotland access to new markets, enhance its international standing and foster cooperation on key issues, it also poses risks in terms of economic integration, diplomatic relations, and strategic alignment. Ultimately, any decision regarding Scotland’s alignment with BRICS would require careful consideration of these factors and a clear assessment of Scotland’s best interests and security.
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By joining EFTA, Scotland would benefit from existing EFTA trade agreements , either already in place or in progress. Among these EFTA agreements are those with the Southern African Customs Union (includes S Africa) , India – in progress, and the Mercosur nations including Brazil and Argentina. (EFTA trade negotiations with Russia and Belarus are currently suspended) Being an EFTA member would not require Scotland to join these agreements, and would not restrict Scotland from making bilateral trade agreements with other countries. Of course joining EFTA is a means of – within a short time – getting access to the European single market via the EFTA/EEA agreement. I don’t know enough about BRICS to have a balanced opinion about Scotland joining, but if EFTA already has trade deals with all BRICS members except Russia and China then clearly BRICS benefits can already be achieved via EFTA.
Roddy (and I do mean you personally, honest)… I hope I can encourage you to watch a view from a Y/Tube channel I follow. It has references to BRICS, but as importanly follows in many ways your own thoughts on how much the balance of power in the world is changing. Perhaps a bit surprising it emanates from the USA – but do not let that put you off.
Cheers Mike
I Doubt we would be allowed to join B.R.I.K.S., the USA with Englands cooperation and blessing would have a coup arranged and a USA puppet government would be installed in Edinburgh quicker than you can blink, this would be political suicide for any Scottish party and no doubt Scotland would be called traitors to the west,possibly.
Joining BRICS , my opinion, yes undoubtedly.
India needs to be slammed for supplying drones to the occupying force and the judeo Nazi Zionist regimes in occupied Palestine.
It isn’t anti Semitic to slag of Israeli Jews, these occupying Jews are not Semitic.
They’re from Germany, France , Russia, Britain, the US, and other places.
Palestinians are Semitic .
It’s the Israeli Jews who are antisemitic.
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