OPINION

The era of unified nation-states nears its end

News, Published on 16/09/2014

» This week's referendum in Scotland could result in the UK losing almost one-third of its landmass, and 8% of its population, and, very likely, its present prime minister. In a summer rich with shocks, the breakup of a United Nations Security Council member suddenly seems more likely than the long-predicted fracturing of Iraq.