The EU After Brexit: A Weaker or Stronger International Actor?

In: European foreign affairs review, Volume 25, Issue 4, p. 503-522

Abstract

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) has often been interpreted as yet another recent crisis with detrimental effects on the EU's global image and role. Is the EU likely to be a weaker international actor as a result of Brexit? Drawing on actorness and role theory, this article argues that despite the UK's departure and the uncertainty surrounding the nature and scope of the future EU–UK relationship, the EU, who remains a relevant player in world affairs, may even become a stronger international actor. Although the UK's departure shrinks the EU's overall resources, it opens also new opportunities for it to acquire additional capabilities and to conceive novel roles. This is partly due to a confluence of developments not directly related to Brexit, in particular the United States' foreign policy under President Trump and the assertive great-power politics of both China and Russia. As a result, the EU's international role of market and normative power is likely to develop a stronger security dimension with a more geopolitical approach.
actorness, Brexit, China, development policy, European Union, role theory, security policy, trade policy, United States