May 02, 2016
Brexit Will Shatter Europe
On June 23, the United Kingdom will hold a referendum that will determine whether it remains a member of the European Union. Arguments abound in both the pro- and anti-Brexit camps over the drawbacks and benefits of staying or leaving. In fact, current polls among the British public are so close that world leaders have begun to voice their opinions on the subject. Although the international community respects that this is a decision for the British people, the consequences of a Brexit would deal a devastating blow to Europe and reverberate throughout the world economy. Beyond the apparent economic concerns, a Brexit would have dire consequences for national security—both for the UK and the EU. It would jeopardize the unity of the NATO alliance, potentially reignite the debate over Scottish independence and, perhaps most importantly, add increased pressure to Europe’s already-delicate political climate. At stake is the future of a united Europe.
To read the full article, visit The National Interest website.
More from CNAS
-
The Future of Arms Control Part 2: The Case for Saving Global Arms Control
Podcast
This episode of Brussels Sprouts is the second part in our series on the future of the New START treaty and the viability of arms control between Russia and the United States....
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Jim Townsend
-
The Future of Arms Control Part 1: "No New START"
Podcast
On this week’s episode of Brussels Sprouts, we’re kicking off a special 2-part series on the future of the New START treaty and the viability of arms control between Russia an...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Jim Townsend
-
Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Jun 27, ’25]
Podcast
On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, joins Defense & Aerospace...
By Jim Townsend
-
What’s Making Some Countries Daydream About Nukes Again?
Commentary
Yet the majority of nations that might decide to go nuclear are not rogue states, but U.S. allies and partners....
By Jon B. Wolfsthal
