Richard Whitman- The implications of a Brexit for the UK’s foreign and security policy
Channel: IIEA
Date: 2015-10-22

21 Oct 2015 

About the Speech:
Professor Whitman will address the implications for the UK and its foreign policy, of a UK exit from the European Union? He will argue that the impact of a Brexit would be profound and irreversible, and would lead to a significantly diminished international role for the 

UK. He will contend that in the aftermath of a Brexit, the UK’s foreign and security policy could be concerned with reorganising its existing foreign relations, for the best part of a decade, whereas new challenges in international relations might be a better focus of attention. Furthermore, he will highlight that in a post Brexit scenario, the UK will still need to be heavily occupied with influencing the EU’s agenda from the outside.  Whitman’s overall thesis is that the UK can choose Brexit, but its security will still remain intertwined with the successes and failures of the EU.  

 

About the Speaker:

Professor Richard G Whitman is an Associate Fellow of the Europe Programme at Chatham House. He is also Director of the Global Europe Centre and Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent. He was Senior Fellow, Europe (April 2006-April 2007) and Head of the European Programme at Chatham House (April 2004 to April 2006).  Professor Whitman was elected an Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences in October 2007, is Vice Chair of the British International Studies Association (BISA) and was Chair of the University Association for Contemporary European Studies (UACES) 2009-2012.

His current research interests include the external relations and foreign and security and defence policies of the EU, and the governance and future priorities of the EU. His recent books include: The European Union as a Global Conflict Manager: Seeking security through engagement (Routledge), co-edited with Stefan Wolff, and The Handbook on European Security (Routledge), co-edited with Sven Biscop. Professor Whitman is a regular media commentator at home and overseas on Europe and European integration.