The United Kingdom (UK)'s decision to withdraw from the European Union (EU) – dubbed ‘Brexit ’ raises important questions regarding the social, economic and political future of both the UK and its nearest neighbor, Ireland.
After the UK, the country that is most directly affected by the UK's withdrawal is Ireland. The two countries share centuries-old ties of kinship, politics and economics and a 500 km land border, the future of which has been a central priority (and sticking-point) during the UK’s withdrawal negotiations.
This talk will consider the ways that the UK’s withdrawal reshapes Irish politics, and the ways that at the same time, the European project has permitted a shift in power dynamics, by giving small states, like Ireland, the leverage to shape politics to a great extent, and to challenge bigger states, like the UK.
The snap election that will take place in Ireland on February 8th forms the backdrop to this talk.
