Brexit | Council on Foreign Relations

The United Kingdom and the European Union have been unable to reach a deal to define their post-Brexit relationship after nearly a year of talks. A severe disruption to trade between them looks increasingly likely.

In Brief by Andrew Chatzky and Anshu Siripurapu Dec 14, 2020

What Brexit Means

Brexit supporters argue that the EU threatens sovereignty and stifles growth, while opponents counter that EU membership strengthens trade, investment, and the UK’s standing in the world.

Backgrounder by James McBride Jul 22, 2019

Brexit’s Stickiest Point: The Irish Backstop

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has been unable to convince her own party to pass the Brexit deal she negotiated with the European Union because of its backstop provision. What is it, and why does it matter?

In Brief by Andrew Chatzky Mar 19, 2019

United Kingdom

UK Elections: What to Know

The United Kingdom appears poised for a political shift in response to deep economic concerns, but its foreign policy priorities are likely to remain consistent.

In Brief by Abigail McGowan June 27, 2024
United Kingdom

Moving Past the Troubles: The Future of Northern Ireland Peace

The Good Friday Agreement has dampened sectarian conflict and brought stability to Northern Ireland, but the peace deal has been challenged by Brexit-related border tensions that have thrown the region’s hard-won gains into doubt.

Backgrounder by Charles Landow and James McBride February 16, 2024
United Kingdom

Is the Commonwealth Under King Charles III Still Relevant?

The coronation of King Charles, the sovereign of the Commonwealth, calls into question the role of the British monarch on the world stage.

Blog Post by Manjari Chatterjee Miller and Clare Harris May 3, 2023 Asia Program

Experts in this Keyword

Jennifer Hillman

Senior Fellow for Trade and International Political Economy

Sebastian Mallaby

Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Economics

Ireland

Northern Ireland’s Good Friday Agreement Threatened by Brexit Fallout

In Northern Ireland, the consequences of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, known as Brexit, are threatening to unravel the twenty-five-year-old Good Friday Agreement. It’s a peace deal that ended decades of violence between nationalists who wanted Northern Ireland to be reunified with the Republic of Ireland and unionists who wanted it to stay part of the United Kingdom. The agreement largely ended the bloodshed, and allowed for freer movement of trade and people across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. However, Brexit has imperiled that free movement, and there are major concerns that resolving that issue could inflame old divisions and lead to renewed bloodshed in Northern Ireland.

Explainer Video with James McBride and James Long April 6, 2023
Ireland

Lessons From History Series: The Good Friday Agreement: Twenty-Five Years Later

Former officials involved in the negotiations discuss the landmark 1998 Good Friday Agreement (or Belfast Agreement), lessons for the ongoing peace process, enduring sectarian tensions, and the future of Northern Ireland. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event by Bertie Ahern, Jonathan Powell, David Pozorski and Richard Haass March 27, 2023 Lessons From History
United Kingdom

Britain After Queen Elizabeth, With Leslie Vinjamuri

Leslie Vinjamuri, the Director of the US and the Americas programme and Dean of the Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership in International Affairs at Chatham House, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss what a new monarch, a new prime minister, and the legacy of Brexit mean for Britain’s future.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Leslie Vinjamuri September 20, 2022 The President’s Inbox
Middle East and North Africa

Biden’s Middle East Trip, Meeting With AMLO, and More

U.S. President Joe Biden visits Israel, the West Bank, and Saudi Arabia and prepares for a meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom reacts to the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Steven A. Cook July 7, 2022 The World Next Week
Europe

A Conversation With Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald

Please join Mary Lou McDonald, President of the Irish political party Sinn Féin, for a discussion on resolving the past and continuing repercussions of Brexit, cross-border relations and reconciliation, and the future of the Sinn Féin party, particularly as Ireland approaches the next elections.

Virtual Event by Mary Lou McDonald and Amy Davidson Sorkin March 14, 2022
European Union

How Does the European Union Work?

The European Union has navigated a thicket of external and internal crises in recent years, including mass migration and Brexit. What are the union’s core institutions, and what roles do they play?

Backgrounder by James McBride March 11, 2022
European Union

After the Berlin Wall: Europe’s Struggle to Overcome Its Divisions

Photo Essay by James McBride and Jeanne Park January 6, 2022
Europe

Brexit: The Future of Northern Ireland and Scotland

Panelists discuss the ongoing challenges in the post-Brexit process, the prospects that Northern Ireland and Scotland could leave the United Kingdom via referendums, and the possible implications for U.S. foreign policy in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Virtual Event by Sam McBride, Nicola McEwen, John Sawers and Meghan L. O'Sullivan October 15, 2021
Ireland

A Conversation With Taoiseach Micheál Martin of Ireland

Taoiseach Micheál Martin discusses what he will prioritize while Ireland holds the UN Security Council presidency, the future of transatlantic relations, and Ireland's approach to Brexit.

Virtual Event by Micheál Martin and Richard Haass September 22, 2021
European Union

What’s in the EU-UK Brexit Deal?

The European Union and the United Kingdom came to a last-minute trade deal on Christmas Eve, narrowly averting the hardest of all potential Brexits. But major uncertainty remains.

In Brief by Matthias Matthijs December 28, 2020
European Union

The Final Days of Brexit Negotiations

Panelists discuss the latest developments in Brexit negotiations, including the main points of contention among the parties, prospect of a deal before December 31, and implications for the private sector.

Virtual Event by Jennifer Hillman , Matthias Matthijs and Robert McMahon December 22, 2020 Europe Program
United Kingdom

What Would a No-Deal Brexit Look Like?

The United Kingdom and the European Union have been unable to reach a deal to define their post-Brexit relationship after nearly a year of talks. A severe disruption to trade between them looks increasingly likely.

In Brief by Andrew Chatzky and Anshu Siripurapu December 14, 2020