A geosciences professor looked to Scotland to create a four-part model for nationalism that characterizes both the unity of the European Union and the individuality of its constituents.

Fiona Davidson follows the shifting tides of political parties in Scotland, and likens changes there to shifting nationalism elsewhere in Europe.

"We're seeing the wave of the future," said Davidson. "This is the last gasp of colonial extension."

Her four types of nationalism include state, ethnic, cultural and territorial. Until recently, state nationalism dominated Europe. Ethnic nationalism has served as the basis of many bloody conflicts, including strife in Northern Ireland, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Basque separatists. Cultural nationalism can be seen in modern-day Wales, where most people want just enough power to preserve their own culture and language, but otherwise have no interest in self-governance. And Scotland embodies territorial nationalism - a government composed of those who live in the country making decisions for themselves.

"All of these things are fluid," Davidson said. She likened changes in the geopolitical arena to earthquakes, where pressure builds up, cracks and fissures appear and relieve the pressure, and then the cycle begins again.

The erosion of British identity can be seen on the football field. Scotland has been using the St. Andrew's cross during its games since the 1960s. Teams from Wales have refused to take the field until the Welsh national anthem plays along with "God Save the Queen." And at English matches, some flags now feature the symbols of England instead of Britain.

"The things that held Britain together are gone," Davidson said. "In Scotland and Wales, there's no need to be British."