An analysis of the implications of a UK exit from the EU on CFSP and British foreign and security policy.

Abstract

The United Kingdom has never been a fully integrated member of the European Union. The development of the relationship between the two actors and their policies play a critical role in the current situation regarding Brexit. With the upcoming referendum it is important to examine the possible outcome on key areas such as foreign and security policy. The main aim of this dissertation is to critically analyse a scenario where Brexit is a reality and the implications it will have on the foreign and defence policies of both the UK and the EU. Textual analysis and an interview were used to collect data about the many ideas and policies about the issue in question, which was then analytically evaluated. The data collected presented several ideas of how Brexit will greatly impact not only the UK and the EU, but it would have global implications. The conclusion that can also be drawn is that even though Britain’s foreign policy security will be weakened, it will still retain some international and global significance were the UK to exit the EU. The EU, on the other hand, will be greatly affected as Britain is one of its top member states in terms of foreign policy clout and military capabilities. Following an in-depth analysis of the research findings, it can be concluded that Brexit will bring more harm than good in terms of foreign and security policy.