English Nationalism, Brexit and the Anglosphere

This is the first book to examine the relationship between English nationalism, Brexit and the Anglosphere a politically-contested term used to denote English-speaking countries sharing cultural and historical roots with the UK. In the aftermath of the UK s EU referendum some pointed to a revolt of those left behind by globalisation. Ben Wellings argues instead that Brexit was and is an elite project, firmly situated within the tradition of an expansive English nationalism. Far from being parochial Little Englanders , elite Brexiteers sought to replace the European Union with trade and security alliances between true friends and traditional allies in the Anglosphere. Brexit was thus reassuringly presented as a giant leap into the known. As the UK s future relationship with the rest of the world is negotiated, the need to understand this English moment has never been more pressing. -- .