Overview

The history of Britain's complex relationship with Europe, untangled ""The best short introduction to both the political realignment that produced the 2016 Referendum result and the immense fallout since.”—CapX, ""Books of the Year"" (2020) “[A] cool-headed, fair, and judicious analysis of Britain and the EU at a decisive period in history”— Thomas Gallagher, Brexit-Watch.org Is Britain a part of Europe? The British have been ambivalent on this question since the Second World War, when the Western European nations sought to prevent the return of fascism by creating strong international ties throughout the Continent. Britain reluctantly joined the Common Market, the European Community, and ultimately the European Union, but its decades of membership never quite led it to accept a European orientation. In the view of the distinguished political scientist Vernon Bogdanor, the question of Britain’s relationship to Europe is rooted in “the prime conflict of our time,” the dispute between the competing faiths of liberalism and nationalism. This concise, expertly guided tour provides the essential background to the struggle over Brexit.

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9780300245615

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Reviews

As the resurgent tide of nationalism has swept away Britain's European Union membership, Vernon Bogdanor details the historical and psychological attitudes which will influence the forging of a new relationship. -Lord Butler of Brockwell, Head of the UK Civil Service 1988-98 Vernon Bogdanor's fascinating history of the ideas, politics and events in British-European relations over the post-War era is vital reading for anyone wishing to look to the past to explain how and why Brexit occurred and what its effects are likely to be. -Robert Blackburn QC, King's College London No subject could be more important; and no one is better qualified to engage with it than Bogdanor. He does so with his usual clarity, rigour and persuasiveness. - Andrew Blick, King's College London For Bogdanor, Brexit dramatizes the long-term loss of legitimacy of Britain's governing class. This book is a brave effort to move beyond the headlines by Britain's most distinguished constitutionalist. -Bruce Ackerman, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science, Yale University

If you actually want to understand Britain's place in Europe - and Brexit - this is the book to read. -Helen Dale, CapX [A]n elegant exposition of the conflicted relationship between a country and a continent...This book is a wise guide to why [Brexit] happened, and to what insights the past has to offer to help deal with the challenges of today. -Paschal Donohoe, Irish Times Weekend [A] cool-headed, fair, and judicious analysis of Britain and the EU at a decisive period in history - Thomas Gallagher, Brexit-Watch.org Vernon Bogdanor, a distinguished authority on the British Constitution and former Professor of Government at Oxford, provides a model of clear and informed analysis in a relatively brief compass. -Richard J. Evans, Times Literary Supplement Full of...telling anecdotes...A definitive primer for all students of Britain's troubled relationship with Europe -and a very readable one. -Martin Bright, The Jewish Chronicle The best short introduction to both the political realignment that produced the 2016 Referendum result and the immense fallout since. -Helen Dale, CapX 'Books of the Year' As the resurgent tide of nationalism has swept away Britain's European Union membership, Vernon Bogdanor details the historical and psychological attitudes which will influence the forging of a new relationship. -Lord Butler of Brockwell, Head of the UK Civil Service 1988-98 Vernon Bogdanor's fascinating history of the ideas, politics and events in British-European relations over the post-War era is vital reading for anyone wishing to look to the past to explain how and why Brexit occurred and what its effects are likely to be. -Robert Blackburn QC, King's College London No subject could be more important; and no one is better qualified to engage with it than Bogdanor. He does so with his usual clarity, rigour and persuasiveness. - Andrew Blick, King's College London For Bogdanor, Brexit dramatizes the long-term loss of legitimacy of Britain's governing class. This book is a brave effort to move beyond the headlines by Britain's most distinguished constitutionalist. -Bruce Ackerman, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science, Yale University

Author Information

Vernon Bogdanor, C.B.E., is professor of government, King's College, London, and was for many years professor of government at Oxford University. He has been an adviser to several governments, including those of Albania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Israel, and Trinidad.

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