The Brexit Policy Fiasco

This book examines the many possible causes of Brexit, arguing that it was a British policy fiasco due to the political elite's failure to manage the issue effectively. It explores the long-term causes of Brexit, the highly conflictual domestic political dynamics, and the management of the issue following the referendum result up until the Withdrawal Agreement in March 2019.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate web of factors that led to the United Kingdom's (UK) departure from the European Union (EU). While opinions on the merits of Brexit may vary, it is undeniable that Brexit represents yet another instance of a British policy fiasco, highlighting the shortcomings of the British political elite. The central theme of this collection is twofold. Firstly, it seeks to unravel the origins of the Brexit issue, exploring why Britain's membership in the EU was perceived as problematic by a significant portion of the British political elite and ultimately by the majority of voters. How did we arrive at the June 2016 Brexit Referendum, and what factors contributed to its outcome? Secondly, the volume examines the management (or mismanagement) of the issue following the referendum result up until the Withdrawal Agreement in March 2019. Contributors to this volume approach the topic from diverse analytical perspectives, examining Brexit through the lens of long-term causes, the fraught relationship between the UK and the EU, and the highly contentious domestic political dynamics leading up to the referendum and the negotiations of a Brexit deal.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of European Public Policy, showcasing the expertise and insights of leading scholars in the field. This volume offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted factors that shaped Brexit, providing a comprehensive analysis that will be of interest to policymakers, academics, and the broader public alike.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367748944