Brexit: Unravelling the Ties that Bind the Past, Present,

and Future

MA British Studies

Centre for British Studies

Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin

Submitted by:

Shoaib Arif Malik

Matriculation no.: 628662

Submitted to: Dr Miles Taylor

Berlin, 30.03.2023
 Abstract

This paper examines the historical precursors to Brexit and how they inform our

understanding of the current phenomenon. The research identifies two significant

historical factors that shaped the United Kingdom's relationship with the European

continent: the Conservative Party's Euroscepticism and the legacy of the British

Empire. The paper argues that understanding the historical context of Brexit is

essential to appreciating the complexity of the event, contextualising it within a

broader historical framework, and identifying the potential implications of the event

for the future of European politics. The paper concludes that Brexit is a significant

shock to the European Union, and its impact will be felt for years.

Key Words: Brexit, Empire, Euroscepticism, European Union, Precursors

2
Table of Contents

Abstract ....................................................................................................................... 2
List of Abbreviations .................................................................................................. 4
List of Figures ............................................................................................................. 4
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................ 5
1.1. Background ............................................................................................................5
1.2. Significance of paper .............................................................................................7
1.3. Research Question .................................................................................................9
1.4. Thesis Statement ....................................................................................................9
2. Historical Precursors to Brexit ....................................................................... 10
2.1. The Conservative Party's Euroscepticism .........................................................10
2.1.1. Euroscepticism ............................................................................................................. 10
2.1.2. Conservative Party's Eurosceptic stance................................................................... 11
2.1.3. Key events that shaped the party's Eurosceptic views ............................................. 12
2.1.4. Thatcher's Speech in Bruges ...................................................................................... 13
2.1.5. How did the Conservative Party's Euroscepticism influence Brexit? .................... 14
2.1.6. Relevance to current Brexit debates .......................................................................... 14
2.2. British Empire and Brexit ..................................................................................15
2.2.1. How the decline of the British Empire and the rise of European integration
impacted the UK's relationship with Europe. ......................................................................... 15
2.2.2. Comparison of the EU's structure and policies with those of the British Empire 16
2.2.3. Commonwealth and the idea of British exceptionalism. .......................................... 17
2.2.4. How Brexit reflects the UK's ongoing struggle to come to terms with its imperial
past? 18
3. Referendum and Beyond ................................................................................. 21
3.1. Political Factors ...................................................................................................21
3.2. Economic Factors.................................................................................................21
3.3. Social Factors .......................................................................................................22
3.4. Implications of Brexit for the European Union and global politics ................22
4. Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 23
5. Bibliography ..................................................................................................... 24

3
 List of Abbreviations

EU: European Union

EEC: European Economic Community

UK: United Kingdom

UKIP: United Kingdom Independence Party

4
 1. Introduction

Brexit, the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, has been a

transformative event that has sent shockwaves throughout the political and economic

landscape of the European continent. Yet, despite the extensive media coverage and

political analysis that has followed, there is still much to be understood about the

historical context that gave rise to this phenomenon. In this paper, we seek to delve

deeper into the historical precursors of Brexit and how they inform our understanding

of the current event. By examining the political, economic, and social developments

that have led to this pivotal moment, this paper aims to comprehensively analyse the

factors that have contributed to the Brexit decision.

1.1. Background

The decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, commonly referred

to as Brexit, represents a significant event in contemporary European politics. The

process of withdrawing from the EU began in 2016 when a narrow majority of British

citizens voted to leave the bloc in a referendum. This historic decision has since led to

complex negotiations, political turmoil, and economic uncertainty on both sides of the

English Channel.

The origins of Brexit can be traced back to a long-standing debate within the UK over

its relationship with the European Union. Although the UK joined the European

Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the EU, in 1973, this membership was

subject to controversy. Throughout the subsequent decades, successive UK

5
governments struggled to reconcile the benefits of EU membership with concerns over

national sovereignty and the loss of control over key policy areas.

The debate over Europe reached a fever pitch in the early 2010s, when the

Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister David Cameron, promised to hold a

referendum on EU membership if it won the 2015 general election. The referendum,

which took place on June 23, 2016, resulted in a narrow victory for the Leave

campaign, which garnered 51.9% of the vote.

The decision to leave the EU triggered a series of complex negotiations between the

UK and the EU, culminating in the signing of the Withdrawal Agreement in January

2020. This agreement provided a transition period until December 31, 2020, when the

UK continued to follow EU rules and regulations. On January 1, 2021, however, the

UK officially left the EU, ushering in a new era of relations between the two sides.

Brexit has been a highly significant event in contemporary European politics. While it

is often viewed as a recent development, the roots of Brexit can be traced back to

historical, economic, and social factors that have shaped British society and its

relationship with Europe over time.

At the heart of Brexit lies the complex relationship between the United Kingdom and

the European Union. The United Kingdom was one of the founding members of the

European Union, joining in 1973, but its relationship with the EU has been

complicated from the outset. British Euroscepticism was evident throughout the 1980s

and 1990s, with Eurosceptic parties gaining increasing support in national elections.

The adoption of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which aimed to create a more integrated

European Union, fuelled Eurosceptic sentiment in the United Kingdom, which some

saw as a threat to British sovereignty.

6
The economic context of Brexit is also significant. The United Kingdom has long been

an essential player in the global economy, with a history of international trade and

finance. The decision to leave the European Union has significant economic

implications for the United Kingdom, potentially impacting trade, investment, and

financial stability. The decision to leave the EU has also had implications for the

European economy, with the United Kingdom being an important trading partner for

many EU member states.

Social factors have also contributed to the Brexit phenomenon. Immigration and

cultural identity have been significant issues in British politics in recent years, with

debates over national identity and multiculturalism becoming increasingly prominent.

Immigration, in particular, has been a contentious issue, with some arguing that it has

put pressure on public services and driven down wages. In contrast, others have argued

that it has contributed positively to the economy and society.

The decision to leave the European Union can be seen as a complex interplay of

historical, economic, and social factors. Therefore, understanding the background

information on Brexit is crucial for analysing the significance of this event and its

implications for the future of European politics.

1.2. Significance of paper

The historical precursors to Brexit are significant in understanding the phenomenon as

they provide a rich and complex context for the decision to leave the European Union.

By examining the historical developments that have led to Brexit, we gain insights into

the cultural, political, and economic factors that have shaped the United Kingdom's

relationship with the European continent over time.

7
Firstly, understanding the historical precursors to Brexit helps us appreciate the event's

complexity. Brexit cannot be understood as a single isolated decision but rather as a

culmination of a long and complicated history of the United Kingdom's relationship

with Europe. Historical developments such as the formation of the European Union,

the impact of the global financial crisis, and the rise of nationalist sentiment have all

contributed to the current phenomenon of Brexit. By analysing these historical

developments, we can better understand the complex interplay of political, economic,

and social factors that have led to Brexit.

Secondly, understanding the historical precursors to Brexit helps us contextualise the

event within a broader historical framework. The United Kingdom has a long history

of international relations, and its relationship with Europe is only one part of this

broader history. By understanding the historical context of Brexit, we gain insights

into the broader historical developments that have shaped the United Kingdom's

position in the world. This broader context is essential for understanding the

significance of Brexit beyond the immediate political and economic implications.

Finally, understanding the historical precursors to Brexit helps us identify the potential

implications of the event for the future of European politics. Brexit has been a

significant shock to the European Union, and its impact will be felt for years. By

understanding the historical context of Brexit, we can better appreciate the potential

implications of the event for the future of European politics. For example, historical

developments such as the rise of nationalism and the weakening of the European

Union's institutions may have implications for the future of the European project.

8
 1.3. Research Question

What are the historical precursors to Brexit, and how do they inform our understanding

of the current phenomenon?

1.4. Thesis Statement

This paper explores the historical precursors to Brexit and their significance in shaping

the current phenomenon. By contextualising Brexit within its historical framework,

this paper will contribute to understanding the complex interplay of political,

economic, and social factors that have led to this significant event.

9
 2. Historical Precursors to Brexit

The historical precursors to Brexit are numerous, and their complexity necessitates

thoroughly exploring the subject. In this chapter, the paper will focus on two

significant historical precursors to Brexit, namely the Conservative Party's

Euroscepticism and the British Empire and its legacy. These two precursors were

chosen due to their significance in shaping the political, economic, and social

landscape of the United Kingdom and their impact on the current phenomenon of

Brexit.

2.1. The Conservative Party's Euroscepticism

2.1.1. Euroscepticism

Euroscepticism is a political ideology that emerged in the latter part of the 20th

century, primarily in Europe. It is characterised by a sceptical or critical attitude

towards the European Union and its institutions. Eurosceptics are typically concerned

about the perceived loss of national sovereignty and democratic accountability and are

critical of the EU's policies and regulations. Eurosceptic parties and politicians have

gained significant support in recent years, particularly in the wake of the global

financial crisis and the refugee crisis. As a result, they have influenced policy decisions

and electoral outcomes in many EU member states.1. The Conservative Party in the

United Kingdom is a prominent example of a political party that has experienced

1
Anthony Forster, Euroscepticism in Contemporary British Politics. Opposition to Europe in the

British Conservative and Labour Parties Since 1945 (London, 2002), p. 2.

10
increasing Euroscepticism over the past several decades, culminating in the Brexit

referendum of 2016, in which a majority of voters supported leaving the EU.

2.1.2. Conservative Party's Eurosceptic stance

The Conservative Party's Eurosceptic stance can be traced back to the early days of

the European Union. The party's Eurosceptic views stem from a desire to protect

national sovereignty and resist further integration into the EU. Eurosceptic views

within the Conservative Party gained traction in the 1990s, particularly after the

signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which paved the way for greater integration

in the EU. Many Conservatives saw this as a threat to Britain's sovereignty and

autonomy.2

Euroscepticism in the party has been characterised by a general distrust of the

European Union and a desire to limit its powers, particularly in areas such as trade and

immigration. Calls for greater national sovereignty and focusing on domestic issues

have often accompanied this. However, the party's Eurosceptic stance has been

contentious, with some arguing that it has led to increased isolationism and a lack of

engagement with European partners.

2
Heppell, Timothy. "Cameron and Liberal Conservatism." The British Journal of Politics &

International Relations 15 (2013): 340-361. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-856X.2012.00546. x.

11
 2.1.3. Key events that shaped the party's Eurosceptic views

Several key events in British history have shaped the Conservative Party's Eurosceptic

views. One of the most significant events was British industry's decline and

globalisation's rise in the 1970s and 1980s. The Conservative government of the time,

led by Margaret Thatcher, pursued a policy of deregulation and free trade that led to

the closure of many traditional industries, particularly in the north of England. This

policy shift profoundly impacted British society and led to a growing sense of

discontent and disillusionment with the political establishment.

2.1.3.1. The Maastricht Treaty

The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, established the European Union

and created the framework for the Eurozone. The treaty was highly

controversial within the Conservative Party, with many MPs and party

members arguing that it transferred too much power from national

governments to the EU.3

2.1.3.2. The Euro currency

The launch of the Euro currency in 1999 was another critical moment

for the Conservative Party's Eurosceptic views. Many within the party

3
Stephen Goodwin, "Maastricht Vote: Labour Jubilant at Government's Commons Defeat," The
Independent, February 19, 1993, accessed March 25, 2023,
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/maastricht-vote-labour-jubilant-at-government-s-
commons-defeat-opposition-mps-claim-amendment-28-result-is-a-humiliation-for-john-major-as-
conservatives-appear-dismayed-and-confused-1496521.html.

12
 believed the UK should not adopt the Euro, as they felt it would erode

national sovereignty and potentially harm the British economy.4

2.1.3.3. The Lisbon Treaty

The Lisbon Treaty, which was signed in 2007, further increased the

powers of the EU and was seen by many Conservatives as a further

erosion of national sovereignty. 5

2.1.4. Thatcher's Speech in Bruges

Margaret Thatcher's speech in Bruges in 1988 is widely regarded as a seminal moment

in the history of Euroscepticism in the UK. In her speech, Thatcher called for a Europe

based on cooperation and intergovernmentalism rather than integration and federalism.

She argued that Europe should be a "community of nations" rather than a "superstate."

Thatcher's speech marked a significant shift in the Conservative Party's position on

Europe and helped to galvanise Eurosceptic sentiment within the party. 6

4
Dan Baiz, "Row over European Currency Splits British Tories," The Washington Post, November 4,
1997, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1997/11/04/row-over-european-currency-
splits-british-tories/34963ea4-3d6c-4666-b67c-cf7d6235a065/ (accessed March 25, 2023).
5
"Conservatives to set out policy on Lisbon," Reuters, November 3, 2009, accessed March 24, 2023,
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-europe-cameron/conservatives-to-set-out-policy-on-lisbon-
idUKTRE5A228220091103.
6
Margaret Thatcher Foundation, "Speech to Conservative Party Conference," Blackpool, October 13,
1980, accessed March 24, 2023, https://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/107332.

13
 2.1.5. How did the Conservative Party's Euroscepticism influence Brexit?

The Conservative Party's Eurosceptic stance significantly shaped the UK's decision

to leave the European Union. 7 The party's Eurosceptic wing emerged in the 1990s,

reflecting broader concerns about sovereignty, national identity, and the EU's

democratic deficit.8 Over the years, the Conservative Party's Eurosceptic sentiment

intensified, culminating in a commitment to hold a referendum on EU membership in

their 2015 election manifesto. 9

Research indicates that Eurosceptic messaging resonated with those who felt left

behind by globalisation and that such voters were more likely to support Brexit. 10

2.1.6. Relevance to current Brexit debates

The Conservative Party's Euroscepticism is considered one of the fundamental driving

forces behind the UK's decision to leave the European Union. As argued by Bale

(2016), Eurosceptic views have long been a defining characteristic of the Conservative

Party, with its members often arguing that the EU undermines national sovereignty

and restricts the UK's ability to govern itself. 11 However, the party's Eurosceptic stance

has been criticised for being too rigid and for failing to provide a clear vision for what

a post-Brexit UK should look like. This has made it difficult for the government to

negotiate a Brexit deal satisfactory to all parties involved.

7
Bale, Tim. "The Conservatives Since 1945: The Drivers of Party Change," in Messiah to Meltdown:
1979–1997, ed. Anthony Seldon and Stuart Ball (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018), 135-153.
8
Ford, Robert, and Matthew Goodwin. "The Motive for Rebelling." In Revolt on the Right: Explaining
Support for the Radical Right in Britain, 93-110. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2017.
9
Conservative Party. "Strong Leadership, A Clear Economic Plan, A Brighter, More Secure Future:
The Conservative Manifesto 2015." Conservative Party, April 2015,
https://www.theresavilliers.co.uk/sites/www.theresavilliers.co.uk/files/conservativemanifesto2015.pdf
10
Ford and Goodwin, " The social roots of the revolt," 77.
11
Bale, Tim. The Conservative Party from Thatcher to Cameron. John Wiley & Sons, 2016.

14
 2.2. British Empire and Brexit

The connection between the British Empire and Brexit is complex, and it reflects the

broader cultural and political forces that have shaped the UK's history and identity.

While some may see Brexit as an opportunity to revive the glories of the empire, others

see it as a chance to forge a new path for the UK independent of its imperial past.

2.2.1. How the decline of the British Empire and the rise of European

integration impacted the UK's relationship with Europe.

The decline of the British Empire and the rise of European integration have

significantly impacted the UK's relationship with Europe. As argued by O’Rourke, the

UK's decision to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 reflected a

recognition of the need to adapt to changing global circumstances, including the

decline of the British Empire and the rise of new economic powers. The EEC provided

a new framework for economic cooperation and allowed the UK to regain some of its

global influence by becoming part of a larger European community. 12

However, the UK's relationship with the EU has been characterised by tension,

particularly around issues of sovereignty and immigration. As argued by Mannin &

Flenley, the UK's history as an imperial power has shaped its attitudes towards the EU,

with some seeing the EU as a threat to national sovereignty and others seeing it as an

opportunity for global engagement. 13

12
O'Rourke, Kevin. A Short History of Brexit: From Brentry to Backstop. Brookings Institution Press,
2018.
13
Mannin, Michael, and Paul Flenley. The European Union and its Eastern neighbourhood:
Europeanisation and its twenty-first-century contradictions. Routledge, 2018.

15
 2.2.2. Comparison of the EU's structure and policies with those of the

British Empire

Comparing the structure and policies of the EU with those of the British Empire can

provide insights into the historical and political factors that have shaped European

integration. As Kaijser, Vleuten & Högselius (2015) argued, the EU's structure is

characterised by a complex system of supranational and intergovernmental decision-

making that reflects the diverse interests of its member states. This structure contrasts

with the centralised decision-making of the British Empire, which a small group of

elite policymakers dominated.14

Furthermore, the policies of the EU reflect a commitment to regional integration and

cooperation, whereas the policies of the British Empire were often focused on

extracting resources and maintaining imperial control. Biscop & Whitman (2018)

argue that the EU's policies reflect a desire to promote economic growth and social

welfare across the region through cooperation and shared decision-making.15

However, there are also similarities between the EU and the British Empire regarding

their impact on global politics. As argued by Börzel and Risse (2018), the EU's role as

a global actor is shaped by its history as a colonial power. Its policies reflect a desire

to promote economic and political stability in its former colonies. 16

14
Kaijser, Arne, Erik van der Vleuten, and Per Högselius. Europe's Infrastructure Transition:
Economy, War, Nature. Palgrave Macmillan, 2015.
15
Biscop, Sven, and Richard G. Whitman, eds. The Routledge Handbook of European Security. 1st
ed., Routledge, 2018.
16
Börzel, Tanja A., and Thomas Risse, eds. The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Regionalism.
Oxford University Press, 2018.

16
Overall, comparing the EU's structure and policies with those of the British Empire

highlights the complex historical and political factors that have shaped European

integration. Moreover, this comparison can inform current debates about the future of

the EU and its relationship with its member states.

2.2.3. Commonwealth and the idea of British exceptionalism.

Brexit has brought to the forefront discussions on British exceptionalism and its

connection to the Commonwealth. British exceptionalism is based on the belief that

Britain has a unique historical and cultural identity that sets it apart from other nations.

The Commonwealth, consisting of 54 member states, is a political and cultural

organisation founded in 1949 and has roots in Britain's colonial past.

According to Oliver (2018), the Commonwealth has become a "nostalgic anchor" for

the UK, hindering its ability to engage with Europe fully. The authors suggest that the

UK's membership in the Commonwealth has perpetuated a sense of "Britishness,"

which has resulted in a belief in British exceptionalism. This exceptionalism has made

it difficult for the UK to fully embrace the European project, as it perceives itself as

fundamentally different from the rest of Europe. 17

Glencross (2016) argues that British Euroscepticism can be viewed as a manifestation

of British exceptionalism, which is characterised by a sense of superiority and a desire

to maintain sovereignty. This view of British exceptionalism has existed for forty

17
Oliver, Tim. Understanding Brexit: A concise introduction. Bristol University Press, 2018.

17
years, resulting in what Glencross calls the "neverendum" on the relationship with

Europe.

According to Glencross, British Euroscepticism is rooted in a belief that Britain's

history, culture, and political system are unique and cannot be fully integrated into the

European Union. Moreover, the British media has reinforced this belief, consistently

portraying the EU as a threat to British sovereignty and identity.

The "neverendum" on the relationship with Europe has been characterised by debates,

referendums, and renegotiations on Britain's membership in the EU. Glencross argues

that this ongoing debate reflects a deeper historical and cultural divide between Britain

and Europe.

Furthermore, Glencross notes that the Brexit referendum was not just about leaving

the EU but also about reasserting British exceptionalism. Brexit supporters argued that

leaving the EU would allow Britain to regain its status as a global power, free from the

constraints of European integration. 18

2.2.4. How Brexit reflects the UK's ongoing struggle to come to terms with

its imperial past?

Brexit has been widely discussed as reflecting the UK's ongoing struggle to come to

terms with its imperial past. The legacy of imperialism and the loss of empire have

played a significant role in shaping British identity and politics and continue to

influence the country's relationship with Europe.

18
Glencross, Andrew. “British Euroscepticism as British Exceptionalism: The Forty-Year
‘Neverendum’ on the Relationship with Europe.” Studia Diplomatica, vol. 67, no. 4, 2014, pp. 7–20.
JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26541986. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

18
According to Rodriguez (2020), the Brexit vote was driven by a yearning for the

United Kingdom's past as a global power, which has resulted in a discrepancy between

the country's political and economic reality and the expectations of its people. This

sense of nostalgia has made it difficult for the UK to reconcile with its imperial past

and establish a new identity in a world without the EU. UK faces significant challenges

in this regard, and it must address them to navigate a post-Brexit world successfully.19

In his work published in 2016, Newbigin contends that the Brexit campaign relied on

an illusionary vision of Britain's glorious past, promoting a sentiment of yearning and

loss for a fictitious "golden age." The author asserts that this nostalgia was effectively

manipulated to evoke a compelling emotional response from a significant portion of

the British population, despite its lack of factual basis. Additionally, Newbigin

investigates the broader social and political elements that contribute to this nostalgia,

such as alienation and vulnerability stemming from globalisation and societal

transformations.20

The Brexit movement also triggered a renewed sense of English pride and patriotism

that the notion of British identity had overshadowed. The campaign exploited a

prevailing dissatisfaction and bitterness among English constituents who believed they

were neglected and marginalised by the political establishment in London.

Furthermore, the referendum brought to light significant regional disparities in

England, particularly between the affluent South and the less prosperous North, deeply

19
Rodriguez, Abelardo. “Imperial Nostalgia and Bitter Reality: The United Kingdom, the United
States and Brexit, Implications for Regional Integration.” Journal of Strategic Security, vol. 13, no. 2,
2020, pp. 19–47. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26918083. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.
20
Newbigin, Eleanor. "Brexit, nostalgia and the Great British fantasy." Open Democracy, 21 June
2016, https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/25232/1/newbigin-opendemocracy.net-brexit-nostalgia-and-the-great-
british-fantasy.pdf. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

19
ingrained in historical and cultural factors, including the aftermath of the industrial

revolution and the decline of conventional industries in the North. 21

In conclusion, Brexit reflects the UK's ongoing struggle to come to terms with its

imperial past and its changing relationship with Europe. The legacy of imperialism

and the loss of empire have shaped British identity and politics and continue to

influence the country's relationship with Europe.

21
"Brexiting and English nationalism." The Economist, 30 January 2020,
https://www.economist.com/britain/2020/01/30/brexit-and-english-nationalism. Accessed 24 Mar.
2023.

20
 3. Referendum and Beyond

The decision by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has profoundly

impacted global politics and economics. The referendum result, which was narrowly

in favour of leaving the EU, was influenced by political factors and shaped by

complex economic and social issues. This chapter explores the interplay of these

factors and their significance in shaping the Brexit phenomenon.

3.1. Political Factors

The political factors leading to Brexit can be traced back to the rise of Euroscepticism

in the 1990s, with the Conservative Party and Margaret Thatcher playing a significant

role. The UK Independence Party (UKIP) also capitalised on public dissatisfaction

with mainstream politics, particularly regarding immigration and sovereignty, further

fuelling support for Brexit.

3.2. Economic Factors

In addition to political factors, the economic factors behind Brexit were also complex.

Significant factors were the loss of sovereignty and the perceived detrimental impact

of EU policies, particularly on the agricultural and fishing industries. In addition, the

2008 global financial crisis, which affected the UK economy, led to public

dissatisfaction and inequality. The Brexit campaign capitalised on this sentiment,

positioning leaving the EU as a means of taking back control and creating a more

prosperous future for the UK and its Commonwealth partners.

21
 3.3. Social Factors

Social factors, including immigration and the erosion of traditional British values and

culture, influenced Brexit. Immigration, in particular, was viewed by some as

negatively impacting British society, and the Brexit campaign leveraged this sentiment

to advocate for leaving the EU and regaining control over immigration policy.

However, the campaign also tapped into a sense of British nationalism and the desire

to preserve British identity and culture, which was perceived by some as being

threatened by EU membership and its legacy of empire.

3.4. Implications of Brexit for the European Union and global

politics

Brexit has significant implications for the European Union and global politics. The

departure of a major member state from the EU has weakened its influence and

created uncertainty for future membership. Furthermore, the rise of nationalist and

anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK and Europe may signal a broader trend towards

populism and the erosion of international cooperation.

22
 4. Conclusion

In conclusion, this paper has examined the historical precursors to Brexit and their

implications for our understanding of the current phenomenon. The two significant

historical precursors identified in this study are the Conservative Party's

Euroscepticism and the legacy of the British Empire. The former is crucial to

understanding the rise of Euroscepticism in the UK. At the same time, the latter helps

to contextualise the UK's historical relationship with Europe and its position in the

world. The findings of this study have significant implications for our understanding

of Brexit and its broader historical and political context. Brexit cannot be understood

as an isolated event but rather as a culmination of complex and multifaceted historical

developments. This underscores the importance of understanding historical context

when analysing political events. The implications of Brexit are far-reaching, and this

paper has identified the potential impact on European politics and the European Union.

The weakening of the European Union's institutions and the rise of nationalism are

potential consequences of Brexit that may shape the future of the European project.

These implications highlight the need for further research on the long-term impact of

Brexit on global politics and the future of European integration.

Finally, this study has some limitations, such as focusing only on two historical

precursors to Brexit. Future research could explore other factors that may have

contributed to Brexit, such as social and cultural factors. Additionally, future research

could examine the impact of Brexit on the UK's relationship with the Commonwealth

and its former colonies. Overall, this study highlights the importance of historical

context in understanding political events and their implications for the future.

23
 5. Bibliography

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