About the UK's exit from the EU
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The origin of the EU concept can be traced back to the "Republic of Letters", which emerged during the Renaissance period in the 16th century.
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The cross-border "network of humanists" formed in this way continued to exist in Europe, constantly changing its form.
Count Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi's "Pan-Europeanism"
José Ortega y Gasset's "European Union" concept
Baron Pierre de Coubertin's "Modern Olympic Games" concept
All of them originate from the "Republic of Letters" idea. What they have in common is that all those who came up with such ideas were "aristocrats".
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Since the start of the national state system following the Westphalia Treaty in the 17th century, each national state has governed the country by looking for a compromise somewhere between its own "priority of national interests (true intentions)" and the "priority of survival of the whole Europe (official stance)".
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In the UK's national referendum on the EU, statistics show that the "wealthy" and "highly educated" demanded to "remain", while the "working-class" and "less-educated" demanded to "leave".
If it had been a referendum on the contrast between the "idealism" of coexisting European countries and the "realism" of "as long as I'm okay" approach, the outcome might have been different. However, _the "remain" camp gave in to the political "illusion" of wanting to be a sovereign country not restricted by the EU, while showing the economic "practical benefits" of remaining in the EU.. I think this is Cameron's mistake in setting up the national referendum.
What rulers need in the period of transition is a far-reaching vision, not just a discussion on immediate financial gain. This is what Japanese people should learn from the "advantages and disadvantages of others".
However, the conflict between the "European Community" and the "national state" is not a new story. Therefore, it does not end here.
About the UK's exit from the EU - Tatsuru Uchida's research lab