English Nationalism, Brexit and the Anglosphere
Wider Still and Wider
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Manchester University Press
Published:1st Jul '19
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This insightful book explores the connections between English nationalism, Brexit, and the Anglosphere, revealing the elite strategies behind the movement.
In English Nationalism, Brexit and the Anglosphere, the author delves into the elite motivations behind Brexit, framing it within the context of English nationalism. Rather than viewing the Brexiteers as merely ‘Little Englanders’, the book presents them as strategic thinkers who aimed to minimize the disruptions caused by leaving the European Union. They advocated for a return to alliances with traditional allies in the Anglosphere, emphasizing connections with English-speaking nations that share cultural and historical ties with the UK.
This work stands out as the first comprehensive analysis of how English nationalism intertwines with Brexit and the concept of the Anglosphere. The term itself is politically charged, often contested, yet it serves as a focal point for understanding the motivations of those who supported Brexit. The author, Ben Wellings, challenges the narrative that Brexit was merely a populist revolt against globalization, arguing instead that it was an elite-driven initiative aimed at fostering new trade and security partnerships.
As the UK navigates its post-Brexit future, the insights offered in English Nationalism, Brexit and the Anglosphere are crucial for grasping the complexities of this 'English moment'. The book urges readers to reconsider the implications of Brexit not just as a political event, but as a significant cultural shift that could redefine the UK's role in the world.
‘A thoughtful and subtle book that has not been outdated by the unpredictable twists and turns of events.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
ISBN: 9781526117724
Dimensions: 234mm x 156mm x 14mm
Weight: 481g
232 pages