Three meanings of Brexit

Abstract

I will discuss three meanings of Brexit – starting with a definition of “meaning” as narrative, as opposed to explanation, rationalisation or implication. Meanings matter, I argue, for which narrative dominates the next two years and will determine not only the nature of the Brexit deal but also the nature of the EU itself. The three meanings are labelled exceptionalism (“Brexit means that the UK should leave”) a narrative shared by hard-Brexiters and Euro-federalists; scepticism (“Brexit mean that you all should leave”), a narrative shared by Euro-sceptics around Europe and left-wing Brexiters in the UK; and pluralism (“Brexit means that you can leave”). The lecture will explore the ways in which this last narrative can both draw on the other two and help transcend them. It will draw on the four disciplines of the EUI and the Max Weber programme, namely history, politics, law and economics.