Scottish Independence vis a vis Austria-Hungary
As you're all no doubt aware, Scotland recently voted on independence. The measure failed to pass, with Scotland opting to remain a part of the United Kingdom (a member with their own parliament, constitution, and legal system, facts which will become salient in a moment).
Before I get to the comparison to Austria-Hungary, I have but one modern observation to make. From a romantic viewpoint, I wanted the independence measure to pass. (Granted, I don't have to live with the repercussions.) From a logical standpoint, remaining a part of the UK simply makes more sense; there's less to work out (financially, economically, etc.). And it's not as though they don't already own a measure of independence, anyway; they truly are a nation contained within a state (itself in a sense currently contained within an even greater state in the European Union).
Now for the historical connection.
Austria-Hungary, or the Dual Monarchy under the Habsburg Dynasty, was a unique socio-political entity never before nor after seen - certainly on such a grand scale. While Austria held the seat of power, each nation had its own constitution and monarch, with Hungary pledging allegiance to Austria.
Sound familiar thus far?
One theory of alternative history would have been an eventual rise of semi-independent successor states; a federation. (See, specifically: Tapie, Victor, "The Rise and Fall of the Habsburg Monarchy".)
Under the concept of a Danubian Federation, each member-state could still bear allegiance to the Austria-Hungary dual monarchy, while maintaining an element of freedom: politically, culturally, and juridically. The primary allegiance to the mother state, if you will, would be primarily militarily and financially.
Again, sound familiar?
It may be that the world was not ready for such a Danubian Federation; just shy of a century of civil wars, Bolshevik control, Western democratization, and ethnic cleansings since the breakup of the empire have not contributed to the stability of the region, but perhaps also reflect its unreadiness for such an advanced political entity. However, in the United Kingdom, we currently have evidence that such a body can work - without true independence a la statehood.
Before I get to the comparison to Austria-Hungary, I have but one modern observation to make. From a romantic viewpoint, I wanted the independence measure to pass. (Granted, I don't have to live with the repercussions.) From a logical standpoint, remaining a part of the UK simply makes more sense; there's less to work out (financially, economically, etc.). And it's not as though they don't already own a measure of independence, anyway; they truly are a nation contained within a state (itself in a sense currently contained within an even greater state in the European Union).
Now for the historical connection.
Austria-Hungary, or the Dual Monarchy under the Habsburg Dynasty, was a unique socio-political entity never before nor after seen - certainly on such a grand scale. While Austria held the seat of power, each nation had its own constitution and monarch, with Hungary pledging allegiance to Austria.
Sound familiar thus far?
One theory of alternative history would have been an eventual rise of semi-independent successor states; a federation. (See, specifically: Tapie, Victor, "The Rise and Fall of the Habsburg Monarchy".)
Under the concept of a Danubian Federation, each member-state could still bear allegiance to the Austria-Hungary dual monarchy, while maintaining an element of freedom: politically, culturally, and juridically. The primary allegiance to the mother state, if you will, would be primarily militarily and financially.
Again, sound familiar?
It may be that the world was not ready for such a Danubian Federation; just shy of a century of civil wars, Bolshevik control, Western democratization, and ethnic cleansings since the breakup of the empire have not contributed to the stability of the region, but perhaps also reflect its unreadiness for such an advanced political entity. However, in the United Kingdom, we currently have evidence that such a body can work - without true independence a la statehood.