ABSTRACT
The mistake that the Brexiteers are making is to assume that they can return to the status quo ante, and that there are many options available for British grand strategy. Many Brexiteers see the Commonwealth as Britain’s natural constituency that can support its global role, but that is a very loose grouping of countries. In the 1940s, the UK sought a permanent transatlantic alliance in order to guarantee permanent American involvement in the security of Europe, because it knew very well that a strong and secure Europe was a prerequisite for a strong and secure Britain. After Brexit, Britain will continue to participate in European military operations, under various flags, possibly even that of the European Union. Britain has never been very keen on big multinational projects or on far-reaching integration, but it has constructed some very close bilateral military cooperation arrangements.
