Why Brexit happened -- and what to do next | Alexander Betts

Understanding Brexit

In this talk, the speaker discusses the shock and aftermath of Brexit, highlighting how it exposed deep divisions in society. The speaker also explores the factors that led to the vote and suggests a need for a new way to narrate globalization.

The Shock of Brexit

• The phrase "I am British" elicited pity after Brexit.

• The morning after Brexit was an immense shock with political meltdown.

• Xenophobia and racist abuse increased in Britain post-Brexit.

• People are now talking about whether Britain is becoming a Little England or a 1950s nostalgia theme park.

What Does Brexit Represent?

• Contemporary politics is no longer just about right and left but about globalization.

• Leavers wanted to take back control of their lives due to immigration and sovereignty concerns.

• Divisions were visible along lines of age, education, class, and geography.

• Fear and alienation signify retreat towards nationalism and borders.

Narrating Globalization

• A new way to narrate globalization is needed for those who have not had opportunities like university education or travel.

Introduction

The speaker discusses the need to understand the reasons behind the Leave vote in Brexit and how it reflects a growing trend of disillusionment with political establishments around Europe and the world.

Understanding the Leave Vote

• The Leave vote was driven by a minority who peddled fear and hatred, but for a significant majority, it was a protest vote against the political establishment.

• This trend is not unique to Brexit but is seen in other countries with leaders like Donald Trump, Viktor Orbán, and Marine Le Pen.

• To address this trend, there needs to be a new vision of inclusive globalization that brings people along rather than leaving them behind.

Inclusive Globalization

• Inclusive globalization recognizes that free trade, movement of capital, and people across borders benefit everyone on aggregate.

• However, globalization also has redistributive effects that create winners and losers. It's important to recognize these consequences while still promoting positive aspects of globalization.

• Inclusive globalization means opening up the glass house of globalization to all if it is to remain secure. It requires reclaiming globalization on an inclusive basis.

Achieving Inclusive Globalization

• Achieving inclusive globalization requires both ideas and material change.

• Civic education can help rebuild respect for truth and evidence into liberal democracies by addressing public misinformation about key aspects of globalization.

• Addressing fear and alienation while refusing xenophobia and nationalism requires social science to offer places to start.

• Inclusive globalization can't just be left to schools but must also involve addressing the neoliberal agenda and perceptions of elitism.

Encouraging Interaction Across Diverse Communities

In this section, the speaker talks about the need to encourage more interaction across diverse communities.

Opportunities for Interaction

• Encourage more interaction across diverse communities.

• Regions with the highest numbers of immigrants are also the most tolerant areas.

• Encourage exchange programs and more participation and interaction with people who we don't know and whose views we might not necessarily agree with.

Ensuring Everyone Shares in Globalization's Benefits

In this section, the speaker discusses how everyone should share in globalization's benefits.

Sharing Economic Benefits

• Ensure that everybody shares in the benefits of globalization.

• Those who voted to leave the European Union were those who actually benefited the most materially from trade with the European Union.

• Businesses and corporations need a model of globalization that recognizes that they, too, have to take people with them.

Need for Responsible Politics

In this section, the speaker emphasizes responsible politics as a crucial idea.

Importance of Responsible Politics

• We need more responsible politics.

• Polarized societies are far less tolerant of globalization.

• Politicians and media should drop a language of fear and be far more tolerant of one another.

Inclusive and Shared Project

In this section, the speaker concludes by emphasizing the need for an inclusive and shared project.

Conclusion

• These ideas are very tentative, and that's in part because this needs to be an inclusive and shared project.

• The speaker identifies as British, European, and a global citizen.