INSIDE EUROPE
cooperation and international relations vis-a-vis the current
predominant role of US.
The agenda is more than evident and if the US decides
to turn their back to the rest of the world, the international
community should not accompany the selfi sh notion with
violation of international agreements and a complete
breakaway from global institutions and legal framework.
The above conclusions need to be seen in the light of
current instability within Europe and the marked trend
towards nationalism and fracture. Brexit was the fi rst sign,
although it is very interesting to analyse how and why
“Leave” voters are switching dramatically and becoming
“Remain” voters.
Catalonia is at a diff erent stage altogether since it is not
nationalist agenda that is taking over the entire country and
imposing its rules. It is a matter of decades of corruption
and their anti-monarchy position. Catalans also blame
the institution for the status quo, lack of transparency and
accountability, in addition to arms sale to Saudi Arabia.
Catalonia crisis is more against Spanish Nationalism than
their own will for becoming independent.
Thus, it’s very important to settle the diff erences of
nationalist movements to be able to fi nd solutions within a
fl exible and democratic framework. Indeed, steps such as
Brexit have exposed the persuasiveness of political leaders.
Here are some of the promises made from Brexit leaders
during campaign:
“Once we have settled our accounts, we will take back
control of roughly £350m per week’ – Boris Johnson
“Getting out of the EU can be quick and easy – the UK
holds most of the cards” John Redwood.
“I believe that we can get a free trade and customs
agreement concluded before March 2019” David Davis.
However, there had not been a strategic agenda and as a
result, all 27 leaders believe Theresa May´s Brexit trade plane
will not work. i This is a hard conclusion that implies that there
must be reshaping in the very nature of Brexit. It is not only
a matter of lack of accountability and biased message from
Leave leaders during campaign, but of the proposal itself that
lacks vision and viable alternatives.
The referendum for Brexit has represented a paradoxical
act of anti-democracy as the people were ‘induced to
vote’ for Leave while in reality there were no measures
of the consequences. Now, these voters are switching to
Remain because they have started becoming aware of the
irresponsibilities of their leaders — basing the campaign on
hate and assigning responsibility to the European Union for
local mismanagement.
The failure of negotiations with the European Union due
to a lack of strategic alternatives naturally leads to a second
referendum in which there is a high probability that Brexit
could be reverted.
Indeed, the time has come to realise that not only the initial
idea was ill planned by the leaders but also it is not what people
really want. This new development comes after the incapacity
of Brexit leaders to be accountable, their ineff ectiveness at
fi nding solutions, and therefore, the consequent rejection from
Leave voters. To go ahead with the process irrespective of the
voters would be an extreme act of demagogue. It is for this
reason that opposition leaders such as J. Corbyn are asking for
a second referendum. Instead, the Government is drawing up a
contingency plan for General Election in November.
The referendum for
Brexit has represented
a paradoxical act of
anti-democracy as the
people were ‘induced
to vote’ for Leave
while in reality there
were no measures of
the consequences.
i
Lack of a Diplomatic leadership is driven the world into isolationism
https://thesustainabilityreader.com/2017/10/25/lack-of-a-diplomatic-leadership-is-driven-the-world-into-isolationism/
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 10 • Oct-Nov 2018, Noida • 23