The UK: Country and People 16 January 2017 by Sigrid Brevik Wangsness

I. Terminology The UK = Britain The UK vs. Great Britain The British Isles a) Two large islands b) Many small islands The geographical and political units do not coincide. The British people: The British, Britons

II. National Characteristics and Values What do you consider ”typical” for the British people? Problems of stereotyping/ generalizations Outside vs. inside perspectives – nuances Is there one British national identity? Unifying factors? Not one national character, but national characteristics? Britishness vs. the end of the Union

III. The Country and the People: Past and Present The make-up of the British population a) Origin (population movements) b) Four major nationalities “A glorious past”: the empire Colonies Multicultural Britain today

Britain’s present influence on the world The English language Technology/ science Authors Music Sports Entertainment Business Politics

IV. England as the Dominant Nation in the UK Historically Numerically E: m S: m W: m NI: m (approx.) The UK: 65m (approx.)

V. Britain in the World Today Britain and the Commonwealth Still important? Britain and the USA Still “a special relationship”? Britain and Europe Most important, but Brexit…

“A medium-sized power with global influence"? Britain’s global role today: self-perception vs. reality? Both diplomatic and interventionist? Keep its military strength? Trade

VI. Divisions in British Society How united is the United Kingdom? The (Dis)United Kingdom? Regional divisions (January 16) Racial and ethnic divisions (February 27) Class divisions (February 27) Divisions in education (January 23)

Regional Divisions Devolution (definition): Why devolution? 1. 2. 3. 4

Devolution Scotland Referendum on independence in September 2014: “No”! Powers of the UK Parliament Powers of the Scottish Parliament

The West Lothian question Devolution Wales Powers of the Welsh Assembly England? The West Lothian question

Devolution Northern Ireland “The Troubles” Solution through devolution The Northern Ireland Assembly