About the UK's EU withdrawal

The origins of the EU project can be traced back to the 16th Century during the Renaissance Period, with the concept of a "Republic of Letters" or "文芸共和国". This cross-border Network of humanists has continued to exist in various forms throughout Europe. Ideas such as Count Richard Nikolaus von Coudenhove-Kalergi's Pan-Europeanism, Ortega y Gasset's vision of the United States of Europe, and Baron Pierre de Coubertin's concept of the Modern Olympics all derive from the ideals of the "Republic of Letters". It is worth noting that these ideas were primarily conceived by the Nobility.

Since the establishment of the nation-state system following the 17th century Treaty of Westphalia, each nation-state has operated with a dual perspective: prioritizing their own national interests (the "real" stance) and prioritizing the survival of Europe as a whole (the "official" stance). This has led to a constant search for a middle ground in the management of national affairs.

In the UK's EU referendum, statistics have shown that the Wealthy Class and Highly Educated Layer favored "Remain", while the Working Class and Low-educated layer favored "Leave". If the referendum had been framed as a contrast between the idealism of European coexistence and the realism of "as long as it benefits me", the outcome might have been different. However, the Remain camp's focus on the economic benefits of staying in the EU can be seen as succumbing to the political "illusion" of wanting to be a sovereign state unrestricted by the EU. This can be seen as a failure on the part of Cameron, who initiated the referendum.

In times of transition, what is required of rulers is a clear vision, not just short-term financial matters. This is a lesson that the Japanese people can also learn from as an example. However, the conflict between the "European Community" and the nation-state is not a new issue, and this referendum does not mark the end of it.

For more information, you can visit About the UK's EU withdrawal - Tatsuru Uchida's Laboratory.