What can Americans learn from Scotland about national identity?

William Thompson, an administrator at the Scottish Parliament, will talk about the politics and particulars of nationalism in his home country Thursday (Sept. 1) at the West Virginia University College of Law. Thompson will discussDevolution in Scotland and Divisible Sovereigntyfrom 12:30-1:45 p.m. in Room 158 at the law school.

In the case of the United Kingdom,devolutionrefers to the transfer of some powers from Londons Westminster Parliament to Scotland, Wales and other outlying territories the U.K.

Devolution is a centuries-old issue there, dating back to when King James VI of Scotland was named King James I of England. The question assumed greater significance when the two thrones were combined under his rule as the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Scottish nationalists have often expressed their discomfort with domination from London over that unionand with the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament in recent years, control over local affairs has again shifted back to the Scots themselves.

Thompson earned a degree in arts and law and an MBA from the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland. Hes also a European Law and Economics graduate of the University of Amsterdam.