One hundred years of British solitude: Magical thinking about Brexit and security

A British exit from the EU would make it harder to fight crime and terrorism, reduce Britain’s ability to lead and influence its partners, and weaken NATO – putting future generations of Britons at risk, according to a paper from the European Council on Foreign Relations published in May 2016.

After warnings from United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron and former NATO chiefs that 'Brexit' would make Britain less secure, ECFR draws on interviews with top ex-security officials, regional experts, and five years of data on European foreign policy to weigh the arguments on each side.

'One Hundred Years of British Solitude: Magical thinking about Brexit and security' finds that, as the US steps back from its role as global police officer and the world splits into rival power centres, Britain will need its allies in Europe more than ever. The EU is uniquely placed to fight with the 21st century’s most powerful weapons – not guns and bombs, but sanctions, regulations, and trade regimes.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Why EU Defence Policy Is in the UK’s Interest http://www.europeansources.info/record/why-eu-defence-policy-is-in-the-uks-interest/

ESO: Background information: Research and analysis. The UK's cooperation with the EU on justice, home affairs, foreign policy and security issues: background note http://www.europeansources.info/record/research-and-analysis-the-uks-cooperation-with-the-eu-on-justice-home-affairs-foreign-policy-and-security-issues-background-note/

ESO: Background information: PM speech on the UK's strength and security in the EU: 9 May 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/pm-speech-on-the-uks-strength-and-security-in-the-eu-9-may-2016/

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