Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
PhD Student, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction
Brexit is generally seen as a move to focus more on national borders and British sovereignty; but it should be remembered that this issue also strongly affects Britain's international approaches. One of the policies that was particularly highlighted by the British government after Brexit was the "Global Britain" policy, which seeks to expand Britain's influence globally. "English School of International Relations" has a good capacity to explain the approach of global Britain in the post-Brexit era. In the theory of the English school, there are three important issues and bases on which the approach of global Britain in the post-Brexit period can be examined. These three important issues include "pluralism and solidarity", "primary institutions and secondary institutions" and "great power and hegemonic power". Based on these three pillars, which almost form the main foundations of English school theory, the analysis of British global policy will become more logical and scientific in the post-Brexit period. This article evaluates the hypothesis that the approach of global Britain in the post-Brexit period expresses the trend of British foreign policy from solidarity to pluralism, paying more attention to primary institutions, restoring the status of Great Britain and strengthening it in line with the special relationship with America. By adopting a theoretical approach and using the library method, this article evaluates the impact of Brexit on British international policies based on the theory of the English school. It is believed that the English school is one of the main intellectual bases in the theories of international relations and one of the theories developed in Britain. Wilson and Oliver believe that while the theory of the English school initially did not pay attention to the issues of integration and the level of regional analysis in general, but have also been paid attention to integration and divergence in the process of evolution of its concepts.
Methodology
The purpose of this article is to examine the approach of global Britain in the foreign policy of this country and specifically to analyze Brexit based on the important components of the theory of the English school. The main question here is that, what international effects has the "Global Britain" approach in Britain's foreign policy, especially after Brexit? Theoretically, this article is based on the English school in three areas of tension between the concepts of "pluralism-solidarity of the international community", "the nature and role of primary-secondary institutions" and the importance of the position of "great power-hegemony".
Findings
It seems that based on the central concepts of the English school, such as the dualism of solidarity-pluralism, primary institutions-secondary institutions, and great power-hegemonic power, it is possible to better and more operationally evaluate British global approach, especially after Brexit.
Analyses
Pluralist approach and Brexit: Britain's post-Brexit global approach can be seen from three angles: Britain's relations with European countries (within the framework of pluralism in bilateral relations and solidarity on security issues), Britain's role in the United Nations (focusing on thematic pluralism and Euro-Atlantic solidarity on security issues), and greater influence on the Commonwealth of Nations (within the framework of the pluralist approach). Indeed, Britain's post-Brexit global approach has prompted a review of Britain's foreign policy strategy including its implications for Britain's place in Europe.
The British tendency to maintain borders and national sovereignty as primary institutions using the principle of primary and secondary institutions: this section argues that Britain's withdrawal from the European Union is not only a violation of Britain's commitment to the principle of primary institutions, but also a protest and challenge to the EU as a secondary institution. On the other hand, Britain's increasing commitment and willingness to join other institutions, such as the Commonwealth of Nations and NATO, shows that Britain still believes in secondary institutions, but that what distinguishes Britain from the European Union is its solidarity functions.
Britain wants to be a "great power: The "great power" principle can also explain the post-Brexit approach of global Britain. For various reasons (such as the egalitarian structure of the Union and the lack of recognition of British supremacy, cumbersome dependency rules, etc.), Britain sees its membership of the European Union as a hindrance to achieve great power status. For this reason, Britain has sought to strengthen its position as a great power in world politics by leaving the European Union (Garnett et.al, 2018). Britain's attempt to gain the status of a great power can be analyzed into components such as Britain's high capabilities compared to other European countries, strengthening the special relationship with the United States, and exercising more power and dominance over the Commonwealth of Nations.
Conclusions
In general, based on the findings of this research, the approach of Global Britain in the post-Brexit period is: the trend of British foreign policy from solidarity to pluralism, paying more attention to primary institutions, restoring Britain's great power status and strengthening it in line with the special relationship with America as the hegemonic power. In other words, within the framework of the 'Global Britain' approach to foreign policy, especially after Brexit, the UK plans to continue to play the role of a great power and follow the hegemon at the international level.
Finally, it should be noted that while the costs of Britain's exit from the European Union are significant, the long-term systemic consequences for the European Union will not be far-reaching. In fact, the main consequence of Brexit is the expression and emphasis of Britain's role as a great power. On the other hand, the expansion of Britain's actions and spheres of influence has become more evident in its greater adherence to America. Therefore, although according to the three key concepts of the English school (pluralism, primary institutions and great power), Brexit does not have a profound effect on the continuation of European integration, but its effects and changes are evident in the political-international approach of Britain as a global Britain.
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