This free course sets the experience of Brexit in the context of the UK. It first analyses Brexit as a symptom of the political, economic and social geography of the UK, focusing on its uneven development in a country increasingly dominated by London and the South East of England. It then considers how the divisions within the UK (within England as well as between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) were reflected in the voting patterns of the 2016 referendum. Finally, the course reflects on the implications of these short-term and long-term trends for the UK’s future as a multinational state.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- identify the geographical patterns of voting expressed in the 2016 referendum, particularly as reflected in regional outcomes within England and differences across the territories and nations of the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales)
- understand the underlying processes of uneven development that helped to shape those patterns and, in particular, understand how the development of the London city region affects patterns of development elsewhere in the UK
- understand how the UK is constituted as a state, and how this has been affected by the referendum vote and the move towards Brexit
- assess the role of nationalism and national identity in the context of the nations and territories that make up the UK
- use and interpret a range of statistical data, including survey data. Interpret maps and understand the significance of the different ways in which they may be put together.
First Published: 20/12/2017
Updated: 15/02/2019
-----Old style comments (this format for comments is no longer supported but is still displayed for reference)------
Jonathan Jones - 6 October 2019 10:40am
Very enjoyable course - well written. Does not touch on whether Brexit is right or wrong but explores the underlying reasons for the Brexit vote.
Good on Scottish nationalism and the likelihood of Scottish independence in the aftermath of Brexit. Also good on the concept of London as a 'city state'.
Personally, I thought that perhaps too much emphasis was placed on the concept of 'uneven development' as the cause of the leave vote. I think that the campaigns, austerity and a desire to 'kick' Westminster politicians also played a part. Also for leave voters (I'm a remainer) the issue of immigration and "free movement" was critical. I also believe that media bias against the EU (meaning the right wing anti EU newsapers) was a factor in the vote.
A good course. The problem with Brexit is that it's not possible to be neutral - hence my review.
I would recommend taking the course to understand more about the phenomenon that is Brexit.
John Charlesworth - 6 October 2019 10:59am
I took this course along with "The Politics of Devolution" and "Contitutions in transition" and glad I did. Your summary is fine (although our family was split on Leave/Remain).