A Short History of Brexit

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Kevin O’Rourke is a professor of Economic History at the University of Oxford and former research director of the Centre for Economic Policy Research. In 1999 he coauthored the book Globalization and History, and in 2006 coedited The Cambridge Economic History of Modern Europe.

The Brexit negotiations highlighted a recurring theme in British policymaking: the pursuit of contradictory goals, often referred to as "cakism." This tendency has historical roots, as seen in Britain's attempts to balance Commonwealth trade preferences with European integration. From the creation of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to its eventual application to the European Economic Community (EEC), Britain sought to maintain economic advantages without fully committing to the constraints of a customs union. However, these efforts often faltered, as foreign leaders perceived Britain’s strategies as self-serving. The UK's eventual entry into the EEC in 1973 was driven by practical considerations, including shifting trade dynamics and the EEC's economic growth, but it also underscored Britain’s struggle to reconcile its global ambitions with regional realities. Decades later, these tensions resurfaced during the Brexit referendum, fueled by economic disparities, globalization’s impact on workers, and domestic austerity policies. The resulting vote to leave the EU reignited complex issues, such as the Irish border, and led to contentious negotiations under Theresa May’s leadership. Her proposed Withdrawal Agreement, while addressing some concerns, faced fierce opposition, leaving the UK at a critical juncture as the Brexit saga unfolded.

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