The impact of Brexit on the identity of small British-European nations

Abstract

This paper considers an under-explored impact of the Brexit process, namely its effect on the collective identities of Small British-European Nations (SBENs). We hypothesize that, not only might economic and political issues be important consequences of Brexit, but so might changes in regional, national and European identities. This has major implications for various policy areas, including the relationship of SBENs with the European Union (EU) and Europe more generally, and their efforts to attain autonomy and independence. Quantitative data is used to analyze public opinion on this topic. Findings suggest that British and European identities are more likely to be statements of protection. Brexit seems to affect value perceptions towards Europe, the EU, and the United Kingdom. However, collective identities based on cultural factors seem to be less affected by the Brexit process.