UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson poses atop a giant English flag outside 10 Downing Street, London, July 2, 2021
I joined Boston University’s Center for the Study of Europe on Friday to discuss the US-UK relationship after Brexit.
At least that was the start of my 30-minute presentation, “On The Whole I’d Rather Be in Dublin”. The discussion moved from Britain’s self-imposed isolation in the world, including the erosion of links with Washington, to the question: why would a country of almost 70 million people, with the world’s sixth-largest economy, take such a damaging path?
Seeking a rational explanation of an irrational decision, we explore English politics, society, and history — all the way back to the 15th century — and explain why emotion is at the heart of the answer.
On the economic side of the argument, If the British colonialists wanted to break away from the EU in order to bath in their passe Colonial global power glory they should have at least remained in one of the biggest single markets in the world that was right on their doorstep. Of course even a little child could figure the destructive negative consequences of such a decision.
On the political spectrum, relating to Brexit, United States interests lay with the UK, because of UK’s influence in pushing American interests and policy decision in Europe by being a member of the EU. UK no longer has that influence, due to Brexit, therefore politically the UK is just like any other third world country. Politically, the US will now by pass the UK as it no longer holds any relevance in the EU.
To sum it up, Brexit has politically degraded the UK’s influence and deteriorated it’s trade growth. The politicians have played Russian Roullete with the lives and businesses of the United Kingdom. The sad part about this is that they are fully aware of this yet, for their own self interests, they are still beating the same drums.
Steve,
Thank you for this summary.
S.
Excellent commentary concerning the negative effects of the self inflicted damage of Brexit! The startling irrationality of it all is incredible. Is there no path of correction?
This coming from a US ‘specialist’ rather smacks of hypocrasy considering the US are one the most insular nations on earth!
GB UK and England are not interchangeable
A common mistake but at this level of discussion inexcusable