How will the British voters' decision to leave the European Union affect international relations?

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 10:26:02 -0400

Yesterday a referendum was held throughout Britain to decide whether the UK should leave or remain in the European Union (EU). The referendum turnout was 71.8%, with more than 30 million people voting. It was the highest turnout in a UK-wide vote since the 1992 general election.
Leave the EU won by 52% to 48%. Regional Breakout: England voted strongly for Brexit, by 53.4% to 46.6%, as did Wales, with Leave getting 52.5% of the vote and Remain 47.5%.
Scotland and Northern Ireland both backed staying in the EU. Scotland backed Remain by 62% to 38%, while 55.8% in Northern Ireland voted Remain and 44.2% Leave.
I am a first generation US citizen with many extended family remembers living in England and Wales. So as the saying goes I have a dog in this hunt.
The financial markets seemed to demonstrate angst on the part of investors. How will this decision impact international relations among the UK, with the EU and the rest of the world?

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 24 at 2016 10:44 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 10:44:21 -0400

The US is closely aligned with the U.K. So how will the EU cooperate with the U.S. without the U.K. to help us with negotiations & coordination?? This could weaken the EU which would then hurt our economy. I stated this a few months ago but I didn't think the U.K. would leave the EU then so I need to do some more thinking about this. But this is the best that I can come up today

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 24 at 2016 10:50 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 10:50:24 -0400

I am hopeful for Great Britain at this stage and am glad that a referendum was held. I note that the dominant from a population perspective areas of England and Wales voted to leave the EU while the less populous and outlying Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU.
I expect that England will struggle briefly and the thrive as they are able to make decisions on their own once again. I would not be surprised if Germans get tired of bailing out the EU's failing economies and that Germany will leave the EU within 2 years.
I expect the British Commonwealth of Nations will be better served by a Great Britain which stands on it's own feet.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jun 24 at 2016 11:10 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 11:10:15 -0400

LTC Stephen F. I certainly think it will have some significant initial implications on the economy, which I think will eventually correct itself. I also think it will unravel the EU. Other countries are also looking at leaving the EU. Personally, I am not a supporter of the "new world order" touted by George Soros and his puppet, Barack Obama. Hopefully, this move by Great Britain will stop that nonsense.

Now to get on with taking America back...

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 24 at 2016 11:13 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 11:13:04 -0400

I think the people of the UK decided the ruling elite in their nation didn't understand the people's displeasure with their push for globalization. Throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries the British stood strong against European tyrants whether their headquarters was in Paris, Berlin (twice), or Brussels.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jun 24 at 2016 11:28 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 11:28:02 -0400

Hey Merkel is already whining... 3 opf AP's alerts on my phone have been her whining how regretful she is that England left... wel don't have a crappy economic system that doesn't like people having money and the voters won't boot you to the curb

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 24 at 2016 11:36 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 11:36:45 -0400

I think the Brits paved the way. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Denmark voted to follow suit. They never did convert to the Euro(like England). The European Union wants to be the "United States of Europe", but it will never happen. Europe is too "tribal" if you all know what I mean. Nations borders, language, culture does mean something to each and every country, and the EU telling them what they can and cannot do doesn't set too well with these people. Once there's a hole in the dam, it might be hard to plug.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 24 at 2016 2:03 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 14:03:28 -0400

I think the UK economy will eventually recover. I just did a quick lookup, and the Euro is worth $1.12 US while the Pound Sterling is $1.38. This is the first time I've ever seen the Euro worth more than the British pound but I also admit that I don't follow the market very closely.
When I was stationed in London, I always had the impression the Brits weren't very keen on being in the European Union to begin with.

Response by CPL Patrick Brewbaker made Jun 24 at 2016 3:26 PM

CPL Patrick Brewbaker — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 15:26:39 -0400

It'll help because finally UK found their balls and threw off their oppressors. We need to to do same here in the United States. Time to change the tampon girls.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Jun 24 at 2016 8:37 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 20:37:27 -0400

This video came out in 2010 but shows the financial side of the EU:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5QwKEwo4Bc

Clarke and Dawe - European Debt Crisis

http://www.mrjohnclarke.com "Roger, Financial Consultant" Originally aired on ABC 7:30 Report, 20/05/2010 World Economy Explained

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 28 at 2016 10:57 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:57:24 -0400

The UN over reach has created this situation. It is little different from when we had a difference of opinion with the most powerful nation on the planet in the mid 1770s. When you have an unelected body driving your nation with limited representation, things go off the track. IMO, this is the beginning of the end of the EU, unless they change significantly, fast. When you take the fifth largest economy out of the equation,' the bills for the conglomerate in Brussels becomes heavy for the rest remaining countries with many financial issues.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Jun 28 at 2016 11:35 AM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 11:35:35 -0400

If we had competent leadership in this country, relations with the UK would improve immediately, while relations with the EU would remain roughly what they were. There's not going to be any lasting negative economic impact. There wouldn't be any significant negative economic impact at all if it weren't for panicky liberals freaking out about it.

On a personal note, liberal panic has brought lowered interest rates just as I am in the process of refinancing my house. Thank you liberal panic!