Brexit: what impact on armaments cooperation?

Although the long-term implications of Brexit are difficult to predict, it is possible to envision potential and likely scenarios in various areas. This article focuses specifically on Brexit's effects on European armaments cooperation. With the intention to stimulate academic and political deb...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGlobal affairs (Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK) Vol. 3; no. 2; pp. 139 - 152
Main Author Calcara, Antonio
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Routledge 15.03.2017
Subjects
Armaments cooperation
Brexit
defence industry
European defence
European union
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Summary:Although the long-term implications of Brexit are difficult to predict, it is possible to envision potential and likely scenarios in various areas. This article focuses specifically on Brexit's effects on European armaments cooperation. With the intention to stimulate academic and political debate, this analysis takes an alternative path from the widespread pessimistic perspectives about post-Brexit EU-UK relations. In contrast, it offers a scenario in which European armaments cooperation could, surprisingly, benefit from the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Specifically, Brexit could be a win-win situation for two main reasons. First, Brexit need not damage EU-UK defence-industrial relations. Second, Brexit will force EU countries to take important steps towards greater armaments cooperation. These initiatives are likely to generate an increase in EU defence spending and may also induce a spill over effect in the UK.
ISSN:2334-0460
2334-0479
DOI:10.1080/23340460.2017.1342555