'The Defence of an Independent Scotland' - AHRI Lecture on 15th January

Published On Thu 9 Jan 2014 by Grant Hill

The challenges of defending an independent Scotland in the event of a 'yes' vote in this year's referendum will be explored at a public lecture at the University of Dundee next week.

Esteemed military historian Professor Sir Hew Strachan will talk about the subject at the D'Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, at 6pm on Wednesday, 15th January. The event is the latest instalment of the Arts & Humanities Research Institute (AHRI) Lecture and Seminar Series 2013/14 and is presented in co-operation with the University's 5 Million Questions initiative.

Professor Sir Hew is Chichele Professor of the History of War at All Souls College, Oxford. Regarded as one of the foremost authorities on military history from the 18th century onwards, he has published 14 books on a range of subject and holds a particular interest in the First World War and in the history of the British Army.

He has received several awards for his academic work, held prestigious positions with military and civilian organisations and was knighted in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to the Ministry of Defence.

Professor Sir Hew said, 'If the Scottish people opt for independence in 2014, they will not do so primarily because of this issue, and yet defence and foreign policy are the two areas of business most obviously reserved to Westminster under current arrangements.

'It is here that the changes to the responsibilities of the Scottish Government will be most dramatic, and possibly most fraught with long-term implications. Even those of us who do not always give defence the thought it deserves should do so on this occasion.'

History, philosophy, economics, and film studies are among the disciplines to be covered during the AHRI Lecture and Seminar Series 2013/14, with several events focusing on questions of national identity and Scottish politics in the run up to September's independence referendum.

The AHRI is based within the School of Humanities at Dundee, and serves as a forum for research across the School's principal disciplines of English literature and creative writing, history, philosophy and aesthetics. Academics from Dundee will deliver the lecture programme, alongside colleagues from institutions across the UK and other countries.

Professor David Finkelstein, Dean of the School of Humanities at Dundee, said, 'This year's programme looks at all aspects of the arts, demonstrating the breadth, vibrancy and relevance of the Humanities and why they play an essential role in our cultural, social and economic life.

'This is particularly relevant as Scotland gears up to make the biggest decision in its history. Our speakers will be addressing issues of identity, wealth and politics that will influence people's voting behaviour.'

'The Defence of an Independent Scotland' takes place at the D'Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, at 6pm on Wednesday, 15th January. All members of University staff and students, and interested members of the public are warmly invited to attend.

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