The Emerging Lessons of Brexit for Aspiring Democracies

The Sociological Imagination

On July 3, 2016, a monumental event in modern democracy unfolded — the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. The Brexit referendum has since cast a magnifying glass over the intricacies of democratic systems and their vulnerabilities. As we navigate these uncharted waters, aspiring democracies can glean crucial lessons from the UK's experience. This article delves into four major takeaways from the Brexit phenomenon, unraveling the complexities of democracy in the 21st century.

1. The Generational Divide in Voting Trends

With Brexit, the divisions between young and old voters have never been more pronounced. The turnout figures revealed a sobering reality: those who had fewer years left to live had cast votes that primarily affected the younger generation. This has sparked a conversation about the fairness and representativeness of a democratic system that does not account for the lifelong implications of such decisions on its youth.

2. The Erosion of Party-Based Democracy

Brexit showcased the shortcomings of a party-based democracy. With no major political party in the UK advocating for a reassessment of EU membership, the door was left open for fringe groups like the UK Independence Party (UKIP) to push the agenda. Their success highlights the need for party systems to remain responsive to undercurrents within the electorate, rather than complacently adhering to the status quo.

3. The Rejection of Expertise

In a striking rejection of professional advice, voters chose to overlook nearly unanimous expert opinions that favored remaining in the EU. This serves as a cautionary tale about the growing skepticism towards establishments and underscores the necessity for experts to find new ways to connect with and convince the electorate.

4. Populism versus Parliamentary Sovereignty

Brexit has also raised questions about populism and its role in a traditional representative democracy. The UK, with its uncodified constitution, witnessed a single referendum challenging the authority of its Parliament. For other democracies, this raises issues around balancing the will of the people with parliamentary decision-making, along with the responsibilities that come with the latter.

A Brief Note on Travel and Brexit

As we consider the societal implications of Brexit, it's worth noting the travel industry's reflections. The ease of mobility, a hallmark of EU membership, is now under renegotiation. Tourism and business travel, crucial to global democratization of access and economies, must now navigate a transformed landscape. This microcosm of change carries important lessons for aspiring democracies on managing freedom of movement with societal wellbeing.