English Nationalism, Brexit and the Anglosphere: Wider Still and Wider

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Description

This is the first book to examine the relationship between English nationalism, Brexit and 'the Anglosphere' - a politically-contested term used to denote English-speaking countries sharing cultural and historical roots with the UK. In the aftermath of the UK's EU referendum some pointed to a 'revolt' of those 'left behind' by globalisation. Ben Wellings argues instead that Brexit was and is an elite project, firmly situated within the tradition of an expansive English nationalism. Far from being parochial 'Little Englanders', elite Brexiteers sought to replace the European Union with trade and security alliances between 'true friends' and 'traditional allies' in the Anglosphere. Brexit was thus reassuringly presented as a giant leap into the known. As the UK's future relationship with the rest of the world is negotiated, the need to understand this 'English moment' has never been more pressing. -- .

Reviews

A thoughtful and subtle book that has not been outdated by the unpredictable twists and turns of events. Wellings identifies an interesting problem: that Brexit is both English and not English. Support for Brexit was strongest in England, but the expressed aims of the Brexit campaign, putting British sovereignty and global Britain at the forefront, tend to push England back out of the picture. Whatever the outcome of our present travails whether English nationalism finally emerges will remain important, and this book will help us to reflect on what is happening.
Robert Tombs, Professor of Modern History, University of Cambridge, and author of The English and Their History

Brexit has plunged the UK into its greatest peacetime crisis. In this incisive study Ben Wellings explores how an elite project built around Euroscepticism and the Anglosphere created a majority coalition for Leave by reshaping English nationalism. Essential reading for understanding why England voted for Brexit and what the future holds.
Andrew Gamble, Professor of Politics, SPERI, University of Sheffield

In this original and impressive book, Ben Wellings argues that Brexit can be understood as a three-level dilemma for this least parochial of nationalisms: getting the UK out of the EU, maintaining the Union and reintegrating the UK into global markets. The case is made with intelligence and subtlety and Wellings establishes a new standard of interpretation for the politics of Englishness.
Arthur Aughey, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Ulster University

In the avalanche of studies on Brexit, this book stands out for its incisive analysis of the influence of English nationalism on the movement for Leave. Ben Wellings goes so far as to argue that this narrative has been the main factor motivating the Brexit forces. While an attachment to British sovereignty is predominantly an elite phenomenon, this is connected to broader forces of dissatisfaction with the status quo in the United Kingdom, leading in turn to majority support for Leave in the 2016 referendum. This book is very well informed theoretically and historically, as well as with its analysis of the underpinnings of the contemporary Brexit phenomenon from the perspective of the leading advocates for Leave.
The Round Table

Author Bio

Ben Wellings is Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia