There is a sustained interest amongst students of British politics, as well as an informed public, about the future state of the United Kingdom. The issue at stake is whether the UK's multinational institutions can endure the challenge of political nationalism, especially in Scotland. This has become known as the British Question. This book is designed as both a framework text - setting out concepts by which to understand the British Question - and a synthetic text - providing a digest of significant academic work on historical, conceptual and political matters relevant to that question. The value of the book is its unique focus on the character, resources and function of the United Kingdom as a whole. It will be essential reading for students and teachers of British politics looking for a coherent interpretation of what is at stake when the future of the United Kingdom is being debated. -- .