International Social Science Journal (Chinese Edition)

No.1, 2025

 

 

Zhao Xiurong

 

Brexit is one of the most controversial and far-reaching events of the 21st century. Since World War II, the UK’s process of joining the EU was fraught with difficulties, making it a somewhat “awkward” member of the EU. The result of the Brexit referendum was primarily driven by politicians’ rhetoric slogan of “taking back sovereignty,” public dissatisfaction with EU policies, concerns over immigration, and discontent with economic globalization. After Brexit, the UK faces numerous governance challenges, including those to its constitutional and legal systems, the issues of Scottish independence and the Northern Ireland border, as well as political and social polarization. Additionally, Brexit brought severe economic consequences, impacting trade and investment, the labour market, and the status of the City of London as a financial hub. Moreover, Brexit has influenced the UK’s multiculturalism, as well as exacerbating regional, generational, and class tensions. The study of Brexit offers insights into how to navigate the tensions between national sovereignty and regional integration, and the impact of political polarization and populism, the balance between globalization and local demands, and the positioning of national identity and international roles in a globalized world.