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

Summary

In this thought-provoking speech, the speaker reflects on the shock and division caused by Brexit, exploring how globalization's complexities have led to fear, alienation, and a retreat into nationalism. Drawing from the UK's referendum, they highlight societal divides based on age, education, and geography. The speaker advocates for a more inclusive globalization that addresses both the material and emotional concerns of those left behind. They propose solutions like civic education, cross-community interaction, and responsible politics, urging a balanced approach to ensure that globalization benefits everyone, without deepening existing societal rifts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brexit was a shock to many, highlighting deep societal divisions within the UK, particularly along age, education, class, and geography lines.
• 😀 The vote to leave the EU reveals the political fault line between those who embrace globalization and those who fear it.
• 😀 Brexit exposed a divide between the 'Leavers' and 'Remainers', with the former focused on issues like immigration and sovereignty, often driven by fear and alienation.
• 😀 The rise in xenophobia and racist abuse post-Brexit is a tragic result of the political and societal divisions created by the vote.
• 😀 Globalization benefits everyone on aggregate, but it also creates winners and losers, requiring a more inclusive and redistributive approach.
• 😀 There is a need to understand the concerns of those who feel left behind by globalization, particularly in areas with little exposure to diversity and modern global dynamics.
• 😀 The concept of 'inclusive globalization', introduced by Kofi Annan, stresses that globalization must be open to all for security and prosperity to be shared.
• 😀 Misinformation and a gap between public perception and reality are significant challenges, requiring improvements in civic education and lifelong learning.
• 😀 Encouraging interaction and exchange between diverse communities is crucial in overcoming fear and intolerance, as regions with high immigration tend to be more tolerant.
• 😀 Political polarization hampers the ability to foster supportive attitudes toward globalization, necessitating a shift towards a more responsible, centrist political discourse.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial reaction to the Brexit vote?

The speaker was shocked to discover that the UK had voted to leave the European Union, as it marked a significant political and social upheaval, leading to the resignation of the Prime Minister and discussions about Scottish independence.

How did the Brexit vote expose societal divisions in the UK?

The Brexit vote revealed deep divisions along lines of age, education, class, and geography. Younger people, those with higher education, and urban areas like London were more likely to support remaining in the EU, while older, less educated, and rural areas voted to leave.

What are the two main factors that influenced people to vote for Brexit?

The two main factors were concerns over immigration and the desire for sovereignty. Many voters felt that they were unrepresented by politicians and wanted to regain control over their lives.

How does the speaker describe the current state of politics in relation to globalization?

The speaker suggests that contemporary politics is no longer defined by traditional left-right divides, but rather by the divide between those who embrace globalization and those who fear its effects.

What is the significance of the geographical voting patterns in the Brexit referendum?

The voting patterns revealed that urban areas and Scotland largely supported remaining in the EU, while rural and less economically advanced areas tended to vote to leave, highlighting a disconnect between different regions in the UK.

What role did fear and alienation play in the Brexit vote?

Fear and alienation were central to the Brexit vote, as many people felt disconnected from the political establishment and turned to nationalism and borders as a response to their perceived lack of representation.

How does the speaker suggest liberal internationalists should respond to the challenges posed by Brexit?

The speaker urges liberal internationalists to recognize their own role in the current situation and work to understand the perspectives of those who feel left behind by globalization, advocating for a more inclusive narrative.

What is the speaker's perspective on the role of education in addressing the challenges of globalization?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of civic education to bridge the gap between public perception and reality, especially regarding issues like immigration and globalization, starting from early education and continuing through lifelong public engagement.

What does the speaker propose as a solution to fostering tolerance in communities with low levels of immigration?

The speaker suggests encouraging more interaction across communities, such as exchange programs, and ensuring access to the internet for older generations, in order to foster understanding and reduce intolerance.

How does the speaker propose ensuring that the benefits of globalization are shared more equitably?

The speaker proposes that more attention be paid to addressing the concerns of those who feel left behind by globalization, ensuring that low-skilled immigration does not disproportionately impact wages and housing, and ensuring that regions experiencing high levels of immigration receive better public services.