Thursday\u2019s vote on the UK\u2019s membership of the European Union has already caused extraordinary political and economic upheaval in the country and sent shockwaves well beyond the Kingdom.<\/p>\n
The immediate result of the UK\u2019s decision to walk away from the EU is a tangible fear of the unknown. For the first time, a member state is deciding to leave the EU; what is more, doing it in a manner that may pose an existential threat to the 65-year-old European project.<\/p>\n
The result of the UK referendum may not only be the biggest setback in the EU\u2019s history but also a turning point in the world politics.<\/p>\n
A post-Brexit landscape in Britain is one of polarization, frustration and fear. Divided between the big cities and smaller towns, the English and the Celtic populations, the old and the young, the educated, mobile professionals and those who feel left-behind; it is not only the social cohesion but also the territorial integrity of the country that have been shaken to its core.<\/p>\n
Pandering to worst kind of populism, the euro-sceptic politicians have used a language of exclusion and xenophobia. In turn, a smug and patronizing tone employed by the Remain supporters have alienated those already disgruntled with globalisation, austerity and rapid demographic change.<\/p>\n
Once the recriminations are over, no doubt, a way forward will eventually be found. Despite having a tendency to swing between self-deprecation and hubris, deep down, the British have a strong democratic tradition and an internationalist outlook.<\/p>\n
It is not always possible to say the same for many others in Europe and beyond that may be rushing to draw conclusions from Brexit.<\/p>\n
Far-right parties in Europe, particularly in France, Netherlands, Austria and Hungary are rearing to go to do the same. There is already a talk of a Dutch Nexit.<\/p>\n
Anti-establishment political movements are gaining ground everywhere. After Brexit, a Donald Trump victory in the United States looks much more feasible.<\/p>\n
Even Turkey is suggesting putting the question of its decade-long accession negotiations to a referendum.<\/p>\n
In this new and highly volatile political climate, what are the main lessons to be learned from the British experience?<\/p>\n
The UK referendum has shown us that political elites can no longer be complacent about the grievances of ordinary people. Equally, populist policies backfire in unexpected ways. Stoke nationalist fears and anti-immigrant feelings at your peril!<\/p>\n
With more than 65 million people displaced worldwide, no country can be turned into a castle. Closing borders does not solve the problem, either.<\/p>\n
Striving to find long-term, sustainable political solutions to world\u2019s problems may not bring short-term political gains but as we have seen in the UK this week, the future of democracies ultimately depends on it.<\/p>\n
Turmoil in financial markets can be weathered relatively quickly. Parties find new leaders; governments can be formed.<\/p>\n
Healing deep divisions in societies and restoring their confidence in an inclusive, fair and transparent system may not be achieved so easily.<\/p>\n
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