What is *A Short History of Brexit* about?

*A Short History of Brexit* by Kevin O’Rourke provides a historical analysis of the UK’s complex relationship with the European Union, tracing the economic, political, and social factors that culminated in the 2016 referendum. It examines British Euroscepticism, the EU’s institutional evolution, and the Irish border’s pivotal role in Brexit negotiations, offering context for understanding this transformative event.

Who should read *A Short History of Brexit*?

This book is ideal for readers seeking a nuanced understanding of Brexit’s origins and implications, including students of European history, policymakers, and anyone interested in UK-EU relations. O’Rourke’s accessible style makes it suitable for both academic audiences and general readers navigating post-Brexit debates.

Is *A Short History of Brexit* worth reading?

Yes, O’Rourke’s book is praised for its clarity and depth, distilling decades of political tension into a concise narrative. It provides fresh perspectives on Brexit’s historical roots and its global impact, making it a vital resource for understanding contemporary European politics.

How does *A Short History of Brexit* explain the Irish border issue?

The book highlights the Irish border as a microcosm of Brexit’s complexities. O’Rourke argues that the border symbolizes the EU’s commitment to preserving its single market and peace in Northern Ireland, making it a non-negotiable issue during talks. Historical Anglo-Irish tensions and the Good Friday Agreement further complicated resolutions.

What are the main arguments in *A Short History of Brexit*?

Key arguments include Britain’s longstanding ambivalence toward European integration, the role of UKIP in pushing for a referendum, and the EU’s institutional rigidity during negotiations. O’Rourke emphasizes how economic policies and national identity clashes shaped the Brexit outcome.

How does Kevin O’Rourke’s background influence the book?

As a leading economic historian, O’Rourke combines rigorous analysis of trade agreements, sovereignty debates, and EU governance structures. His expertise lends authority to discussions of Brexit’s economic ramifications and historical precedents.

What historical events does *A Short History of Brexit* cover?

The book spans post-WWII European integration, the UK’s 1975 EC membership referendum, the Maastricht Treaty, and the rise of Euroscepticism. It also delves into the 2016 referendum’s aftermath and Theresa May’s failed withdrawal agreements.

How does the book differentiate between “hard” and “soft” Brexit?

O’Rourke explains “hard Brexit” as a clean break from the EU’s single market and customs union, prioritizing sovereignty over economic ties. “Soft Brexit” refers to retaining closer economic integration, akin to Norway’s model, which faced opposition from hardline Leavers.

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Short History of Brexit

Kevin O’Rourke

4.08 (359 Reviews)

History Politics Economics

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Questions Fréquentes

Oxford economist Kevin O'Rourke unravels Brexit's complex history, revealing centuries-old British-European tensions beyond today's headlines. Praised for its "quietly devastating" analysis by political scholars, this book exposes why the Irish border represents not just trade issues, but the EU's very foundation.

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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Short History of Brexit

Kevin O’Rourke

4.08 (359 Reviews)

History Politics Economics

Aperçu

Points Clés

Auteur

Questions Fréquentes

Explorez Votre Façon d'Apprendre

Résumé Rapide9min

Ressentez le livre à travers la voix de l'auteur

Approfondissement42min

Transformez les connaissances en idées captivantes et riches en exemples

Fiches mémo10 idées

Capturez les idées clés en un éclair pour un apprentissage rapide

Fun22min

Profitez du livre de manière ludique et engageante

Meilleure citation de Short History of Brexit

We suffer more in imagination than in reality.

Dans le même genre

A Little History of Economics

Niall Kishtainy

The Shortest History of Economics

Andrew Leigh

22 sources

Britain's Unwritten Political DNA

3 sources

The Westminster Theater: Where Politics Becomes Performance

Points clés

The Brexit Paradox: When an Island Nation Tried to Leave the Continent

00:00

Brexit wasn't merely a 2016 referendum-it was the culmination of centuries of British exceptionalism colliding with European integration. While continental Europeans built deep institutions after experiencing devastating wartime losses (France lost 1.5% of its population in WWII, Germany a staggering 9%), Britain's relatively lighter suffering (0.7% population loss) left it with a fundamentally different perspective. For Europeans, integration meant survival; for Britain, protected by the Channel and clinging to imperial dreams, it seemed optional. This fundamental disconnect explains why Franco-German reconciliation became the cornerstone of European unity while Britain remained skeptical. As French politician Maurice Faure bluntly stated in 1957, only America and Russia were truly Great Powers-a reality Britain wasn't yet ready to accept.

Imperial Shadows and the Commonwealth Connection

From European Leader to Reluctant Partner

The Reluctant European: Britain's Journey to Membership

From Thatcherism to the Irish Question

Ireland's European Transformation and the Path to Brexit

The Brexit Contradiction: A Nation Divided Against Itself

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Découvrez Short History of Brexit à votre façon.

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Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000 esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000 esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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Short History of Brexit by Kevin O’Rourke Summary

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Dans le même genre

Points clés

The Brexit Paradox: When an Island Nation Tried to Leave the Continent

Imperial Shadows and the Commonwealth Connection

From European Leader to Reluctant Partner

The Reluctant European: Britain's Journey to Membership

From Thatcherism to the Irish Question

Ireland's European Transformation and the Path to Brexit

The Brexit Contradiction: A Nation Divided Against Itself

Mode Résumé Rapide - Lisez ou écoutez le résumé de Short History of Brexit en 9 minutes

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Dans le même genre

Points clés

The Brexit Paradox: When an Island Nation Tried to Leave the Continent

Imperial Shadows and the Commonwealth Connection

From European Leader to Reluctant Partner

The Reluctant European: Britain's Journey to Membership

From Thatcherism to the Irish Question

Ireland's European Transformation and the Path to Brexit

The Brexit Contradiction: A Nation Divided Against Itself