International Affairs Spotlight

After B(rexit) day

Francisco de Abreu Duarte2020-12-02T11:39:35+00:00

Preface to the First Issue of the International Affairs Spotlight

Dear reader, Today is a happy day for all of us that have worked in this project: we introduce you to the very first number of the International Affairs Spotlight. The Spotlight has two main objectives: first, to bring transnational discussions to the public debate; then to fuel...

Brexit: Schengen doesn’t change much but people are affected

Carlos Coelho2019-11-20T12:15:34+00:00

Nathalie Loiseau is a Member of the European Parliament. Previously, she was French Minister for European Affairs, the woman whom President Macron entrusted with the responsibility of accompanying Brexit. Loiseau delighted the French and international press when she revealed that she baptized her cat with the name "Brexit". In the morning meowing desperately to leave, the...

What happens after Brexit? A new EU-UK economic partnership

Inês Domingos2020-12-02T11:40:07+00:00

As the debate rages on about whether the UK Government will manage to have its exit deal approved after the General election, the debate about the future relationship has been somewhat sidestepped. In an increasingly changing world where trade and foreign investment work as a political power tools, that may turn out to the most...

A Strange Hatred of Unions

Filipe Lowndes Marques2020-12-02T11:40:23+00:00

In order to leave one union, the United Kingdom risks breaking up its own. The withdrawal agreement negotiated by Boris Johnson with the European Union establishes that Northern Ireland will remain aligned with EU rules, which will apply to that region alone and not to the rest of the UK. However, although Northern Ireland will de...

Labour’s Limbo

Catarina Leão2020-12-02T11:40:50+00:00

With an election around the corner, the United Kingdom has not yet fully embodied the election campaign spirit. While most of the older traditions in British politics are dwindling, it seems like Brexit was at least able to set a new one: the decision of critical matters exclusively moments before important deadlines. At least in...

The United Kingdom in the balance of Europe and of the international liberal order

Samuel de Paiva Pires2020-12-02T11:40:51+00:00

Precisely 120 years ago the Boer War began, which was the starting point of the decline of the British Empire, a mere two years after Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, which, on the other hand, symbolized Britain’s heyday.[1] We should always be wary of the analogies and lessons of history, but it should be noted that,...