Brexit means Brexit

We are now approaching the official Brexit leave date and so many people may be be asking what does this mean for British politics? Is nationalism weakening our position as a liberal democratic state?

The official Leave campaign's slogan in 2016 was 'take back control'. The idea was that Britain would have greater control of its borders, immigration and trade if it was to leave the EU. The rhetoric suggested that becoming an independent nation would increase security, wealth and sovereign strength. More of the motivations behind the campaign can be seen here. 

One way of viewing Britain's decision to leave the EU is through a neorealist lens. Neorealists believe that without an overarching authority in the global arena, states look to maximise their own security and power. Increasing security has been at the forefront of the Brexit agenda, as well as becoming an independent nation. At the heart of liberal theory lies the importance of liberal democracies co-operating through international regimes. The UK removing itself from the EU, wanting to decrease interdependence, signals a move away from a neoliberal style of governance. 

The UK does still engage in reciprocal efforts with other states, for example, through trade deals and UN membership. However, it cannot be ignored that Brexit has spawned from increased nationalism and demonstrates the UK removing itself from a huge international institution. A hard Brexit deal is appearing likely which supports a neorealist reading of the UK's position. In an Independent article, Mammone characterises Britain's new politics and society as "isolationism, exceptionalism, bizarre perceptions of sovereignty and suspicious attitudes towards fellow Europeans". 

Liberal democracy is seen as paramount to ensuring peace among countries and so it is concerning to see liberal order in the UK weakening. Trump in the US is advised by neorealists and to think that the UK is leaning more towards this style of governance is alarming! How different does the slogan 'Make America Great Again' really sound to the Brexit rhetoric?