Brexit, the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, has been often viewed through the lens of national sovereignty and economic autonomy. However, its repercussions extend far beyond Britain’s borders, influencing European politics and international relations in unexpected ways. Among these consequences is Brexit’s indirect influence on Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The Brexit Referendum campaign not only fueled racism, xenophobia, and populism in Europe but also inadvertently played into the hands of Vladimir Putin, setting the stage for Russia’s aggressive maneuvers in Ukraine since 2014.
Brexit and its Consequences
The Brexit referendum of 2016 was characterized by a toxic blend of nationalism, populism, and anti-immigrant sentiment. The “Leave” campaign effectively utilized rhetoric that framed the EU as an external threat to British sovereignty and identity. The campaign’s emphasis on reclaiming control over borders and resisting foreign interference resonated with many voters and tapped into broader anxieties about globalization and immigration. This ideological propaganda was not limited to the UK. It inspired and empowered similar nationalist and populist movements across Europe. In countries like France, Italy, Hungary, and Poland, political leaders adopted Brexit’s anti-EU and anti-immigrant rhetoric to advance their own agendas. This rise in nationalism and populism contributed to a more fragmented and polarized European political landscape.
Brexit’s Influence on European Unity and Russia’s Strategy
The weakening of European unity and the rise of nationalist governments created a more fragmented and less cohesive European Union. This fragmentation was a boon for Russia, which has long sought to exploit divisions within the EU and NATO to further its geopolitical objectives. Since 2014, Russia, under Vladimir Putin’s leadership, has engaged in aggressive actions aimed at reasserting its influence in Eastern Europe and undermining Western institutions. The annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine are central to this strategy. Putin’s actions are part of a broader effort to challenge the post-Cold War order and assert Russia’s dominance in its near abroad. Brexit and the subsequent rise of populism in Europe played directly into Putin’s hands. The internal divisions within the EU weakened the Union’s ability to present a united front against Russian aggression. As European governments became more preoccupied with domestic issues and internal disputes, they were less able to focus on a cohesive response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The Role of Brexit and the fragmentation of EU Cohesion
Brexit itself weakened EU cohesion by setting a precedent for exiting the Union. This not only affected the internal dynamics of the EU but also emboldened other nationalist movements within Europe. Leaders of these movements, often skeptical of the EU and sympathetic to Russian viewpoints, found Brexit a validation of their anti-EU stance. For Russia, this fragmentation was advantageous. A divided Europe was less capable of responding effectively to Russian actions. The EU’s ability to impose sanctions, coordinate diplomatic efforts, and support Ukraine was compromised by the internal strife exacerbated by Brexit and the rise of populist governments.
Populism and Its Influence on European Foreign Policy
Populist governments, fueled by the same nationalist and anti-EU sentiments that characterized Brexit, often pursued foreign policies that were more accommodating to Russian interests. In countries like Italy and Hungary, populist leaders have expressed admiration for Putin’s strongman approach and have been less critical of Russian policies. This alignment with Russian perspectives further undermined a unified European stance against Russian aggression. The rise of populism has led to a weakening of support for traditional alliances and international norms, international treaties and international bodies such as the United Nations and the ECHR.
Populist demagogues often scapegoat international norms, international treaties and international bodies such as the United Nations and the ECHR, to pursue nationalist authoritarian interests over collective security commitments, making it harder for Europe to present a united front in the face of Russian expansionism. This has been evident in the lack of consistent and robust responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, reflecting the broader impact of Brexit on European foreign policy.
Conservatism, Neoconservatism, and Their Links to Modern Fascism
The rise of conservatism and neoconservatism in contemporary politics has been accompanied by a resurgence of ideologies and policies that bear resemblance to historical fascism. While not identical to fascism, modern conservatism and neoconservatism often share elements that echo the authoritarian, nationalist, and exclusionary tendencies of early 20th-century fascist movements. Conservatism in its modern form often emphasizes traditional values, national sovereignty, and hostility to perceived threats from globalization and multiculturalism. Neoconservatism, particularly influential in American foreign policy, advocates for a strong national defence and an assertive approach to promoting democracy, but has also been criticized for its interventionist tendencies and its alignment with nationalist agendas.
Both ideologies can lead to a form of covert fascism by promoting:
- Nationalism: An emphasis on national identity and sovereignty that can foster exclusionary attitudes and xenophobia.
- Authoritarianism: A tendency towards strong, centralized control and an erosion of democratic norms.
- Anti-globalism: Opposition to international cooperation and institutions, which can undermine collective efforts to address global challenges.
These ideologies align with Russian ultranationalism, which seeks to exploit divisions within Europe and the West to further its own agenda. Russian ultranationalism, under Putin’s regime, promotes a vision of Russian dominance and uses nationalist rhetoric to consolidate power and challenge Western influence.
How Conservative and Neoconservative Ideologies Supported Russian Objectives
The alignment of modern conservative and neoconservative ideologies with Russian ultranationalist objectives can be seen in several ways:
- Undermining European Unity: By promoting nationalist agendas, conservative and neoconservative leaders contribute to a fragmented Europe, which is easier for Russia to manipulate and exploit.
- Skepticism of International Institutions: Conservative and neoconservative skepticism towards the EU and NATO weakens these institutions’ ability to respond effectively to Russian aggression. This skepticism can provide Russia with an opening to advance its interests.
- Promotion of Authoritarianism: The embrace of strongman politics and authoritarian governance by some conservative leaders mirrors the tactics used by Putin to consolidate power and challenge democratic norms.
Brexit’s Role in Facilitating These Dynamics
Brexit has provided a concrete example of how nationalist and anti-globalist sentiments can reshape political landscapes. It has validated the rhetoric of those who seek to undermine European unity and promote divisive policies. The resulting political climate has been conducive to the rise of leaders and movements that align with conservative and neoconservative principles, which in turn support Russian objectives. As Europe has become more fragmented and divided, the ability to present a unified response to Russian aggression has diminished. The rise of populist, nationalist, and authoritarian politics within Europe has inadvertently supported Russian efforts to challenge the status quo and pursue its geopolitical ambitions. Brexit, while ostensibly a matter of British sovereignty, has had profound and far-reaching effects on European and global politics. The ideological propaganda that fueled Brexit not only contributed to the rise of racism, xenophobia, and populism within Europe but also had significant implications for international relations. The weakening of EU cohesion and the rise of nationalist governments created a more fragmented Europe, which inadvertently played into the hands of Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Modern conservatism and neoconservatism, as manifestations of nationalism and fascism, have further compounded these dynamics. By aligning with Russian ultranationalist agendas, these ideologies contribute to the fragmentation of Europe and the erosion of its ability to respond effectively to global threats. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by Russian aggression and for fostering a more cohesive and resilient European response to global political shifts.
