Will the UK be split asunder after the Scottish independence referendum on Thursday? This sounded like a joke not long ago but now the referendum has become a white-knuckle ride. 

The UK government led by Prime Minister David Cameron approved of a referendum on independence for Scotland very generously two years ago. Cameron and his colleagues believed that democracy can resolve everything. Nevertheless, no one has foreseen something that should simply go in accordance with procedures has gradually turned into a political storm threatening to wreck the whole UK.

What's more, the pro-independence political parties of Catalonians from Spain and Flanders, the largest Belgian party advocating independence, have been encouraged by the situation in Scotland and announced that they will hold a referendum or assess the possibility of carrying out votes.

There were just 19 countries before WWI in Europe but now there are 28 members in the European Union alone. The controversy surrounding whether Europe will be split into many small states has lingered for a long time. However, if national self-determination has become a paramount principle overwhelming everything else, Europe will constantly break up into smaller and smaller fractions, which will run counter to European integration. This will also serve as a typical case where the interests of a minority are antagonistic to those of a majority.

Most people in the UK are reluctant to see their country split apart, and some media outlets have all along been asking: Should the fate of the country be decided by a mere 8 percent of the UK population? Meanwhile, a minority can sabotage the unification of Spain, Belgium and even France. An incredibly large number of nations will suffer from secessional movements if other nations follow Scotland's example. 

The global economy is still stranded in depression and a sluggish market constitutes the major cause for the intensification of internal contradictions of a country. If a separatist sentiment gets further fomented, it becomes an outlet for certain groups to vent their discontent. 

What rights pro-independence groups and the public have  in the issue of independence or reunification has yet to be effectively resolved across the world.

Many think  Cameron's decision two years ago is too imprudent and he will become a "sinner"  of the UK if Scotland gains independence.

The rise of emerging countries will inevitably alter the superiority complex long enjoyed by Western society, which will likely change the foundation of its stability.

Western countries have been enjoying the higher living standards, supported by an unfair political and economic order. If its ability to utilize international resources to support such living standards dampens, it will probably confront instability in society.

Perhaps the upcoming Scottish independence referendum will end up as a false alarm, but it is still a shot across the bows anyway.