Of course, we can’t help but turn our attention to the dominant topic of the day. A contrite David Cameron stands before the ruins of his policy. The politician who was so pro-European in the months leading up to the referendum has clearly miscalculated. The United Kingdom has opted for a new “splendid isolation”. But how united is the UK really still? A map of the voting districts draws clear dividing lines. Scotland and Northern Ireland were clearly against leaving. London also wanted to remain in the EU. The rest of England and Wales, on the other hand, were fed up with Brussels! The factors behind this are well known and have been sufficiently commented on in the press. However, it is also interesting to look at the situation from a cultural perspective
Great Britain – a special case in every respect
From a purely geographical point of view, the British Isles are far removed from Europe. It is not for nothing that the British call Europe “the continent”, to which they have never really felt they belong. No wonder. Since the sinking of the Spanish Armada in 1588, Great Britain became the dominant power at sea and built up the largest empire on earth. “The continent” lay beyond the waters of the English Channel and was mainly of interest to the extent that the British position of power was not endangered by developments in power politics there (apart from the “Happy Few” who discovered the Côte d’Azur as a vacation destination). Britain relied not only on its naval power with the largest fleet in the world, but also on pioneering inventions. The industrial revolution began in England and for a short time Great Britain was the strongest economic power in the world. This gave rise to a self-confidence of superiority over other nations. Coupled with the special religious position of its own church, a special sense of mission also developed, which the British also shared with other great powers of the time. They liked their successful role. Let the other countries do what they wanted, Britain went its own way and the term “splendid isolation” was coined. The last invasion was 1000 years ago, the English Channel kept out unwelcome neighbors and no one could compete with British strength. Success proved the country right in every respect.
Pride comes before a fall
There are certainly many opinions about when the decline of Britain began. I place this point in time at the First World War, which shook up the traditional structures of Europe and brought about political changes that were both fundamental and marked the beginning of war, catastrophe and political division in the 20th century. Empires fell, new states emerged, new ideologies were implemented. Great Britain was on the side of the victors and could – still – afford to present itself as a conservative stronghold. But there were also far-reaching changes in Great Britain. Economic development had given rise to new political forces, the country had a Labor government, and there was increasing anger in the colonies. Prime Minister Churchill set the last sign of British great power by successfully opposing Hitler with “blood, sweat and tears”. We would rather not imagine what would have happened if Britain had caved in to the National Socialists. Nevertheless, the Second World War was ultimately the death blow for the Empire. It should also be remembered that Britain was actually only a small country with few raw materials on a global scale. The war exhausted its resources, the Empire was simply unsustainable, the colonial empire was lost and the island was ultimately thrown back on itself. The Commonwealth of Nations remained a sentimental reminder of the Empire, a loose connection between the former colonies and the mother country, which ultimately lost all political significance.
Europe is coming – Great Britain is not
But even in post-war Europe, Great Britain preferred to go its own way. Important economies on the “continent” successfully joined forces. First Britain did not want to join, then it was not allowed to. Charles de Gaulle said “non”. It was not until 1973 that Great Britain became part of the then European Economic Community, confirmed in a referendum in 1975. In the years before, Great Britain had lost its colonial empire and had fallen behind economically. High inflation, labor disputes and recessions then drove the country into the arms of Europe. North Sea oil was just beginning to play a role at that time. Otherwise, Great Britain looked to the European market to revive its own economy.
The British lion and the EU – not a love match
Economic prosperity, not political integration, was London’s intention. Margaret Thatcher’s demand “I want my money back” shows just how suspicious the British were of the EU’s various activities. Despite the crisis, the UK was an economic heavyweight in Europe and therefore also a net contributor in terms of contributions to and transfers from Brussels. Aside from the benefits of economic integration, London was suddenly faced with a new reality: political integration. The EU was about to embark on what post-war politicians had once called a “United States of Europe”. But who should set the tone here? Berlin and Paris? This is where history comes into play again. Over the centuries, Great Britain had developed different political ideas, culture and mentality. And British thinking was undoubtedly still shaped by the fact that the country had occupied a special position for just as long. They did what they themselves thought was right and took no account of the countries on this side of the Channel. Now the trait that had once motivated the British to persevere in the face of a superior opponent in 1940 was evidently reawakening. In view of the political developments in Brussels, which have increasingly exposed the differences, including in economic matters, this Europe-suspicious attitude could be used by those who are now located on the right of the political spectrum. Whether it is true or not, the majority of the English and Welsh obviously feel like losers in Europe! Not the Scots and Northern Irish, mind you.
Too much Europe – too little consensus
The EU is a community of states that has given itself a center. In a community, consideration must of course be given to the individual members. But it is also logical that political power is transferred from the capitals of the member states to this central office. But of course not all members are equal. Some are more powerful than others and a consensus among many is sometimes difficult to achieve. So even within the EU, some feel like winners and others like losers. As long as things are going well economically and everyone benefits, everything is fine. But where do you draw national borders? The refugee crisis has once again highlighted the rifts within the community. And there are now nationalist movements in most major EU member states that are channeling and exploiting the fears of significant sections of the population. The British are not alone here. But perhaps the historically evolved mentality of the British is the decisive factor in the fact that the UK, of all countries, was the first EU member to settle accounts with Brussels. By democratic means, mind you!
Old versus young, educated versus less educated
However, the election researchers’ analyses have also identified another rift in the UK: the one between the generations. Because it was the old people who provided the necessary majority! In other words, those who can still remember “Merry old England”. Here, too, the historical mentality comes through! Europe is perceived much more positively by the young. But what now? Have the old people ruined Europe for the young? If you look at the demographic situation in other large EU countries, you can draw some interesting conclusions. When it comes to democratic majorities, the focus there is also shifting more and more towards older people and their views and standpoints.
Furthermore, the analyses have revealed that the higher the level of education, the higher the approval of Europe. These are the classes that obviously feel that they benefit from Europe. The “ordinary people”, on the other hand, obviously felt a great divide and sought their salvation in isolation. It is precisely these classes, and not only in the UK, who are most susceptible to the arguments of foreign infiltration. The Ukrainian plumber and the Polish painter should please be replaced by Britons, then there will be more work for the locals. A truism that is easy to refute, but which comes across so beautifully. Simple slogans, simple solutions. A new Splendid Isolation will return Britain to its former greatness. Screw the continent. The English version of “Mia san mia”.
What will come?
Will more exits from the EU follow? Is this the beginning of the end of the United Kingdom? Will Scotland and Northern Ireland secede (London can’t do this for better or worse)? There is plenty of speculation. But the latter question is an internal British matter. However, the continent is not Great Britain. International cooperation has a stronger tradition in continental Europe than in the UK. Nevertheless, the new development will certainly put the EU to the test and the political consequences will only gradually become apparent.
The EU has announced that it now wants to tackle the UK’s exit quickly. And they want to negotiate hard to deter other EU members from also wanting to leave! A Europe held together by deterrence? That’s not exactly the point of Europe. The EU is in a tight spot because it has to convince its citizens that it is worth being part of it. And it is finding it very difficult to do so, however many positive aspects there may be. To put it brutally: You can’t see more trade on the street, but you can see the foreigners who have come into the country “thanks to the EU”. It is precisely these simple examples that appeal to the “people on the street”. Away with the complex world, towards the simple nation state.
Power positions will also shift within the EU. Great Britain is the third strongest economic power in the community, just behind France. Who will fill the vacuum? Will Berlin gain even more influence, which would certainly go against the grain of some countries? Or will Italy, number 4, play a greater role? It is not for nothing that Mrs. Merkel is meeting with Mr. Hollande and Mr. Renzi. A shift in the balance towards the Mediterranean? What do the northern EU members think of this?
Who pays the bill?
The one who always pays them: the so-called little man. If economic output actually declines and if customs barriers are actually raised again, then jobs will also relocate. Or can you imagine that the production of electronic devices in the UK will only increase because of the exit from the EU? This simple formula has already failed to work in other countries, which is why we have reduced customs duties in Europe. The UK is also losing its position as a hub for Europe. Many investors will draw their conclusions from this. London as a financial center will be cut off from the continent, and London bankers are already fearing for their jobs. Paris, Frankfurt and Dublin are already vying for the expected discount.
David Cameron? Okay, he’s politically damaged, but he’s not a poor man and he won’t be. The boards of the London banks? They have to manage the new situation, and in case of doubt, the employees who are doing business in front of the screens will be made redundant. And the consultants will win in any case – they now have to support the companies in managing the new situation adequately. No, it will again affect those who are least able to do so. A high price to pay for so-called independence. Peter Drucker once said: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”. How right he was.
Last but not least
Brexit has clearly shown everyone how strong the British mentality is and how it differs from the German and other cultures. The British Isles are not now sinking into the sea and trade will continue to be conducted with the UK and investments made in the country in the future. There can be no clearer demonstration of how important it is to adapt to the country and its people in order to operate successfully. Never before has it been shown how essential intercultural training in the UK can be, indeed is. Don’t do what David Cameron did. Don’t miscalculate when it comes to British attitudes. Global Cultures will be happy to advise you. And unlike the hordes of consultants who are often hired just to hedge their bets, we bring you real added value by developing winning strategies that you can actually implement on the ground. Turn Brexit into an opportunity – we will support you.
