The Truth about Brexit | Explained by Dhruv Rathee

Summary

This video script delves into the complexities of Brexit, exploring the historical and political landscape leading to the UK's departure from the EU on January 31, 2020. It examines the UK's unique structure as a union of four countries and contrasts it with the EU's unified yet diverse nature. The script discusses the economic and social implications of Brexit, the propaganda during the referendum, and the potential impact on trade, immigration, and national identity. It also raises questions about nationalism and the future of Scotland's relationship with the UK and EU, inviting viewers to reflect on the broader meanings of nationhood and international cooperation.

Takeaways

• 🇬🇧 Brexit occurred on January 31, 2020, marking the UK's departure from the EU.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The UK is a unique entity, composed of four nations with varying degrees of autonomy and representation in international events.
• 🏙️ The UK's relationship with Ireland has historical complexities, with Northern Ireland being part of the UK and the Republic of Ireland being independent.
• 🇪🇺 The EU was formed to promote peace and cooperation among European nations, especially after the devastation of World War II.
• 💶 The EU operates with a single currency, the Euro, and has a unified Parliament, but allows member states to maintain their own national Parliaments.
• 🚫 Some EU member states resist certain EU policies, such as mandatory refugee quotas, leading to internal tensions and calls for autonomy.
• 🗳️ The Brexit referendum in 2016 was heavily influenced by propaganda and misinformation, resulting in a 52% vote in favor of leaving the EU.
• 📉 Brexit has immediate and long-term economic implications for the UK, including increased tariffs, reduced market access, and potential job losses.
• 🏛️ The political landscape in the UK was unstable for years following the Brexit vote, with governments rising and falling as they navigated the exit process.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland, which largely voted to remain in the EU, is now seeking a new referendum to potentially leave the UK and join the EU independently.
• 🤔 The Brexit situation raises questions about the nature of nationalism, internationalism, and the importance of national identity versus global cooperation.

Q & A

What event did the United Kingdom experience on 31st January 2020?

The United Kingdom experienced Brexit on 31st January 2020, which marked its official separation from the European Union.

What is the significance of Brexit in the context of geopolitics?

Brexit is significant in geopolitics as it prompts a reevaluation of concepts such as nationalism, the definition of a nation and a country, and the implications of such a major political event on global politics.

How is the United Kingdom's structure unique in terms of its constituent countries?

The United Kingdom is unique in that it is composed of four countries—England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—which maintain separate identities while being part of a single sovereign state.

What does the term 'countries within a country' refer to in the context of the UK?

The term 'countries within a country' refers to the UK's complex structure where the four constituent countries have their own flags and some degree of autonomy, yet they are governed by a single Parliament and currency.

Why was the European Union formed?

The European Union was formed primarily to promote peace among European nations after World War 2, by creating a union that would encourage cooperation and reduce the likelihood of future conflicts.

What are some of the advantages of the European Union for its member countries?

The advantages of the European Union include the elimination of trade barriers, allowing for the easy exchange of goods and services, the freedom of movement for workers, and the collective strength on the global stage as a super power.

What was the main reason behind the Brexit referendum in 2016?

The main reason behind the Brexit referendum was a growing dissatisfaction among some UK citizens with the EU's policies and regulations, particularly regarding immigration and the perceived loss of national sovereignty.

What were the immediate economic impacts of Brexit on the UK as reported in a 2018 study?

According to a 2018 study, the immediate economic impacts of Brexit included a 2.5% loss in GDP, a 6% drop in investments, a 1.5% increase in unemployment, and a 1% reduction in per capita income.

How did the Brexit vote affect the movement of UK citizens within Europe?

Post-Brexit, UK citizens can no longer freely seek or take up jobs in any European country due to the loss of free movement rights, limiting their job opportunities to within the UK.

What is the current sentiment in Scotland regarding the European Union after Brexit?

The majority of Scottish citizens voted to remain in the EU during the Brexit referendum. Currently, there is a push for another referendum to potentially break away from the UK and join the EU as an independent nation.

What philosophical perspective does the script suggest regarding the concepts of nationalism and country?

The script suggests a philosophical perspective that nations and countries are constructs of collective belief, and their existence and importance are determined by the shared imagination of the people.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ Brexit and the Complexity of National Identity

This paragraph introduces the Brexit event, which occurred on January 31, 2020, signifying the United Kingdom's separation from the European Union. It poses questions about nationalism, nationhood, and country identity, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these concepts. The UK's unique structure as a union of four countries—England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—is highlighted, with examples of how this affects sports teams and government representation. The paragraph also touches on the historical relationship between the UK and Ireland, the concept of Great Britain, and the distinction between the UK and the European Union, which is described as a union of countries functioning in some respects as a single entity with its own parliament and currency. The formation of the EU post-World War 2 is mentioned, emphasizing the promotion of peace and economic cooperation among member states.

05:01

🌐 The European Union's Unity and Brexit's Impact

The second paragraph delves into the advantages and challenges of the European Union's unified structure. It explains how the EU facilitates economic benefits through the free movement of goods, services, and people, and how it has become a global superpower. However, the paragraph also acknowledges the difficulties in governing such a diverse group of countries, leading to disagreements and dissatisfaction among some member states. The refugee crisis of 2015 and the subsequent backlash against the EU's mandatory refugee quotas are discussed as a catalyst for Brexit sentiments in the UK. The Brexit referendum of 2016 is summarized, including the propaganda and misinformation that influenced the vote. The immediate economic consequences of Brexit for the UK are outlined, such as increased tariffs, trade difficulties, and the loss of access to EU markets and labor. The paragraph concludes with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade agreements and the potential long-term effects on the UK's economy and society.

10:02

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland's Dilemma Post-Brexit

The final paragraph discusses the specific case of Scotland, which voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU despite the overall Brexit vote. It explores the potential for a second referendum for Scottish independence and the implications this could have for the UK's economy and political stability. The paragraph raises philosophical questions about nationalism, internationalism, and regionalism, suggesting that these concepts are often more about perception and collective belief than concrete realities. It challenges the viewer to consider their own views on these issues and invites them to share their thoughts. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the nature of nations and the importance of understanding the nuances of political and social identities.

Keywords

💡Brexit

Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, which took place on January 31, 2020. It is a central theme of the video, illustrating a significant geopolitical event that has implications for national identity and international relations. The script discusses the causes and effects of Brexit, including the political campaigns and the economic consequences that followed the referendum.

💡Nationalism

Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of a shared national identity. In the context of the video, it is explored in relation to Brexit, questioning what constitutes a nation and how it relates to the decision to leave the EU. The script uses nationalism to examine the motivations behind Brexit and the potential for future secessionist movements, such as in Scotland.

💡European Union (EU)

The European Union is a political and economic union of 28 European countries, which aims to promote peace, stability, and prosperity within Europe. The video explains the EU's structure, including the shared currency (Euro), the absence of internal borders, and a unified Parliament. The EU's role is contrasted with the UK's decision to leave, highlighting the complexities of such a move.

💡United Kingdom (UK)

The United Kingdom is a sovereign country comprising England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The script discusses the unique political structure of the UK, being 'countries within a country,' and how this relates to the Brexit referendum. The UK's departure from the EU is a key event that impacts its international standing and domestic policies.

💡Great Britain

Great Britain refers to the island that includes England, Scotland, and Wales, and is part of the United Kingdom. The term is used in the script to distinguish between the geographical entity and the political entity of the UK, which also includes Northern Ireland. The historical context of the UK's naming is provided, highlighting the changes that occurred with Ireland's independence.

💡Referendum

A referendum is a direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal. The script mentions the Brexit referendum of 2016, where 52% of voters chose to leave the EU, and a previous Scottish referendum on independence, illustrating how such votes can shape a nation's political future.

💡Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The video explains that EU member states have the choice to be part of the Schengen Area or not, showcasing the flexibility within the EU's structure.

💡Currency

Currency in the context of the video refers to the Euro, which is used by most EU member states. The script discusses the option for countries to adopt the Euro or maintain their own currency, highlighting the economic integration within the EU and the UK's decision to retain the Pound Sterling post-Brexit.

💡Tariffs

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported or exported goods. The video predicts that post-Brexit, the UK will face tariffs on trade with the EU, which could increase costs for consumers and businesses, affecting the UK's economy and its international trade relations.

💡Free Movement

Free movement is the right of EU citizens to live and work in any member country without needing permission. The script explains how Brexit ends this right for UK citizens in the EU and vice versa, limiting job opportunities and potentially impacting the UK's labor market.

💡Scotland

Scotland is one of the four countries that form the UK and has a distinct cultural and political identity. The video discusses the Scottish independence referendum and the subsequent Brexit vote, where Scotland largely voted to remain in the EU. This has led to calls for another referendum, reflecting the complex interplay between regional and national identities within the UK.

Highlights

Brexit occurred on 31st January 2020, marking the UK's separation from the EU.

The UK is a unique amalgamation of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The UK's structure allows for both a unified and separate identity in different contexts, such as sports and government.

Ireland is an independent country, not part of the UK, contrasting its historical union with the UK until 1922.

Great Britain refers to England, Wales, and Scotland, while the UK includes Northern Ireland.

A 2014 Scottish referendum showed a majority vote to remain part of the UK, influencing the subsequent Brexit referendum.

The European Union is a union of 28 countries with open borders, a shared currency, and a unified Parliament.

The EU was formed post-WW2 to promote peace and economic cooperation among European nations.

EU membership provides economic advantages through trade and the free movement of people and services.

The EU's strength in unity also presents challenges in satisfying diverse national interests and policies.

The Brexit referendum in 2016 saw 52% of voters choosing to leave the EU amidst a controversial propaganda campaign.

Post-Brexit, the UK faces economic challenges including tariffs on imports and exports with the EU.

Brexit has led to a loss of access to EU markets and public contracts for UK businesses.

The Brexit vote resulted in immediate economic impacts, with a 2.5% loss in GDP and increased unemployment.

Scotland's desire to remain in the EU contrasts with the overall Brexit vote, leading to calls for a new referendum.

The concept of nationalism and its practical implications are questioned in the context of Brexit and Scottish independence.

The nation and country are considered imaginary constructs, dependent on the collective belief of the people.

Transcripts

Hello friends

The Brexit happened on 31st January. 2020

That is, the United Kingdom separated itself from the European Union

This is a very important lesson in geopolitics because it compels you to think

what is nationalism, what is a nation and what is a country?

Come, let us see in this video what Brexit is, why did it happen and how it affects these countries

and the rest of the world

Come, let us understand

First of all, the story of United Kingdom itself is very interesting

It is a country formed by the amalgamation of four other countries

Look at the map- England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

These four countries together constitute the United Kingdom

which is itself a country

You would ask how this is possible? They are four separate countries

and yet constitute one country together

But this is possible

In some respects, the United Kingdom is a sole country

and in some respects, they are four separate countries

For example, in cricket you might have noticed that

England has a separate team and Scotland has a separate one

But in Olympics, the entire United Kingdom has a single team

Looking at the government, the entire United Kingdom has the same Parliament as well as the same currency

but all these four countries have their own separate flags

Infact, the website of the Prime Minister of UK reads that

The UK is countries within a country

On the side of United Kingdom lies Ireland

Ireland is a completely independent country. It is not a part of UK

But prior to 1922, it used to be a part of UK

When we talk about Great Britain, then it includes England, Wales and Scotland

and so when you look at the Wikipedia page, then it reads that UK is referred to as

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

But prior to 1922, it was referred to as

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

So Northern Ireland and Ireland are separate today

Another interesting thing is that before the Brexit referendum in 2014

a referendum was conducted in Scotland in which the people were asked

whether they wanted Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom

or whether they wanted it to be an independent country just like Ireland

Then 55% of the people voted for Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom

Keep this in mind because it is relevant ahead

and is quite related to the Brexit referendum

Now, let us move to the European Union

Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and 28 different European countries

together formed a union which is called the European Union

But looking at some aspects, the European Union is a country in itself

just like the United Kingdom

for example, there are no borders between these countries

There are no border checks while going from Uttar Pradesh to Bihar and you can pass through easily

Similarly, you can go from Germany to France

from France to Spain and from Spain to Portugal

There are no borders in between these countries

Only one currency is used in all these countries and that is Euro

The entire European Union has a separate Parliament

Although all these countries do have their own national Parliaments, the European Union also has one

And the people living in all these countries can vote and choose the members of the European Parliament

The European Union also has the authority to set rules and regulations

which will have to be followed by all the countries that come within the European Union

Some people are of the opinion that the European Union has an excess of powers

Their country has to follow whatever it dictates and some people do not like it

and hence they are against the European Union

Now you'd think why has this been done?

What was the point of the formation of the European Union?

Why can't these countries stay separate countries

like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh are all separate countries and there is no union amongst them

Why can't the countries stay this way?

There is a a very important reason behind this

When the European Union was formed, its main purpose was promotion of peace amongst these countries

It was formed after World War 2

And as you know all the European countries were fighting amongst each other in World War 1 and 2

In fact, the enmity between France and Germany equalled that between India and Pakistan today

But after the culmination of World War 2 and the demise of Hitler, they decided that they had had enough of fights

and now they need to promote peace

and this peace could only be maintained if they worked together as a union

In the 1950s and 1960s, they opened their trading (boundaries)

and formed a union for trading

Gradually, more countries started joining in and the Union became stronger

then in 1999, they decided upon having their own currency

and doing so much together, not only promotes peace, but also

causes them to stand as a power on the world map

The European Union becomes a super power

which the countries cannot become on their own

Economically, too, it is a huge advantage. Because think about it: Germany is good in some things

while Spain is good in some other things

Italy's farms yield good quality olive oil

The mountains of Austria yield good quality milk products

If there are no trade barriers among the countries, products and services would be exchanged easily

So the disadvantage of one country can be compensated for by the advantage of another country

The workers, too, can move from one country to another easily

And if one wants to start a new business, then he'd get the access to the markets of all the European countries

If you start a company at one place , then you can easily...

the rules and regulations in the rest of the European countries are the same

So there is a huge advantage in every aspect

But the strength of the Union is its weakness too

If you make the rules and regulations for so many countries together,

then it becomes extremely difficult to keep every one happy

Disagreements arise

So, to a large extent, the European Union gives choices to each country

It does not impose its opinion on them always

For example, regarding the adoption of Euro as a currency,

Every state has a choice- if you want to use Euro as a currency in your country, they may.

If not, they may use their own currency

Therefore in countries like Denmark, Poland and Hungary , Euro is still not used

There is also a choice of opting to stay within or outside the Schengen Area

But in some areas, the European Union made certain laws that irked some people

For example, the refugee crisis of 2015

The European Union stated that every country has to take a fixed number of refugees within their country

in proportion of their population

This upset a lot of people

Thereafter, feelings of not staying a part the European Union began to take root in some people

so that they would be empowered to take the decisions for their country on their own

We do not want refugees or immigrants within our country

This was especially seen in Britain where the right wing party- The Conservative Party

took advantage of this and told the people that they want to break out of the European Union

and pressure was mounted

There were two factions even within the Conservative Party. One wanted to break away from the European Union

And the other did not want to break out of the Union, but

the faction that wanted a Brexit- that is, to opt out of the European Union

mounted pressure and got a referendum conducted regarding this

The Brexit referendum In UK took place in 2016

in which 52% of the people voted to leave the European Union

A grand propaganda programme was run during this referendum

Fake news were spread on a massive scale, the people were terrified and lies were uttered

which compelled the people to vote in favour of Brexit

I have specifically covered this propaganda campaign in this video

You can watch it by clicking on the "i" button if you want to understand it in detail

but the fact was that Brexit was voted for

A study of 2017 has stated that the people that voted in favour of Brexit

most of them belonged to lower income groups, were victims of unemployment,

lived in the rural regions and were aged people

They were fearful that the immigrants would come and take over their jobs

No jobs would be available for them

Thereafter, instability reigned in UK for four years

Governments rose to power and governments fell

People were discussing how to actually carry out the Brexit

and what treaty should they be having with the European Union after that

On 31st January, 2020, Brexit finally happened

but the exact trade agreements with the European Union have not yet been negotiated

The effects of Brexit will be seen on a large scale in the coming years

but some things can be predicted now itself

For example, upon separation from the European Union, tariffs will now be imposed

on imports and exports between the United Kingdom and the European Union

Trade will become difficult

And this is a very bad news for the people living in the United Kingdom because

1/3rd of the imports of UK came from European Union

Now tariffs would be imposed on them and they would become costlier

So all the goods that are imported by UK will become costlier for the people living in UK

In general, the companies of UK would have to bear a huge loss

because they cannot participate in bidding for the public contracts in the rest of the EU countries

Neither can they access the rest of the EU markets

nor can they employ workers from the rest of EU in their companies

Owing to these losses, a lot of companies of UK fled the country

and shifted to the European Union or Ireland

because Ireland is still a part of the European Union

Even from the perspective of jobs, there is a huge loss for the citizens of UK

because when it was a part of EU, then any citizen of UK could look for or take up a job in any country in Europe

Because there were no borders and free movement of the people was allowed

But now, after Brexit,

earlier they had multiple opportunities to look for jobs

now, they would remain limited within one country

Due to these reasons, an immediate impact was seen on the economy of UK when the vote for Brexit happened

A study of 2018 reveals that there was a loss of 2.5% of the GDP on UK's economy

Investments dropped by 6%, unemployment rose by 1.5%

and the per capita income reduced by 1%

Let us come back to the case of Scotland.

It is an extremely interesting case because if you look at the map carefully

what are the regions in which the people voted to leave during the Brexit referendum

and what are the regions in which the people ruled that they want to remain a part of the EU

You will notice that an overwhelming majority of the people in the region of Scotland stated that

they want to remain with the EU

But since Scotland is one of the four countries in the United Kingdom,

the overall vote percentage titled in favour of Brexit

but the people living in Scotland were still in favour of EU

And what is happening now is that the people of Scotland are upset

They want another referendum to be conducted

to break away from the United Kingdom and join EU

Obviously, the United Kingdom did not like this because

there would be an even greater economic effect if Scoltand leaves the United KIngdom

Now think about it: What the people of Scotland are trying to do

Are they anti- national because they want to separate from the UK?

Are they a part of the UK's "Tukde tukde gang" because they want to break up UK?

Or are they nationalists because they are thinking about their own country- Scotland and the Scottish people?

Or are they internationalists because Scotland becomes a part of the EU?

Tell us

Write down your opinions in the comments below. Is doing this the right thing for them?

from the perspective of nationalism, internationalism and regionalism?

In my opinion, one thing is very clear from this situation and that is

that we not not attach a lot of importance to these words

What is nationalism? What is anti nationalism?

It holds no importance

It is accorded too much importance in our country by some people

In reality, a country, a nation is an imaginary thing

A group of people believe that a nation or a country exists at a place

then the nation exists there

If they do not believe so, then the nation will not exist there

So basically, where a nation exists and where it doesn't depends on the imagination of the people

I hope you would have liked this video

Share this video

You can support my work on Patreon.com/DhruvRathee

or by becoming a member on YouTube

We will meet again in the next video

Thank you