Evidence from nationalist movements in Scotland and Northern Ireland shows that pragmatism and the ability to adapt are key to electoral success, and that nationalism is still a potent political force.

Contemporary political analysis tends to draw few comparisons between nationalist movements in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, Eve Hepburn and P. J. McLoughlin argue that in both cases, such movements have adopted variously pro-European positions in order to benefit from opportunities for aid and for greater political representation, and have thus successfully moderated their nationalist ambitions.