From the treaty of Rome to Brexit: A historiographical discourse of British influence on EU politics and economics

Abstract

Relevance. Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union in 2020, discussions continue in the UK about the feasibility of such a step. There are somewhat different assessments in society and among representatives of the official authorities of the state of the influence and role of the United Kingdom as a member of the Union on various processes in Western European countries, in particular in the political and economic spheres. The purpose of this study is to provide a historical analysis and characterization of the role and influence of the United Kingdom on the political and economic situation of the EU member states. The main scientific method used in writing this research is the comparative historical method, which allowed to identify key points, identify the nature of interaction and assess the overall results of cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union in the field of politics and economics through comparison and analysis. Among the main results obtained as a result of the study on the topic presented are the following: identification of key events in the common history of the United Kingdom and the European Union; study of the fundamental characteristics and features of bilateral and multilateral relations between the United Kingdom and the EU member states in the political and economic spheres; assessment of the level of influence of the United Kingdom on decision-making in the Union; forecasting the development of relations and strategic partnership between London and the EU. The results of this research and the conclusions drawn from the study of the presented issues can be used as a basis for further scientific research on this topic, as well as in areas that have a common background with this topic; in addition, in the field of diplomacy - as a classic example of the formation and development of strategic partnership of states within political institutions and associations; in secondary and higher education, as for young people studying the formation, development and activities of political associations of democratic states of the modern world.