I'm a little late this this, but this conversation between @rafaelbehr & @fotoole on #Brexit, nationalism & a lot more besides is terrific. Highly recommended listening.
I particularly enjoyed the analysis of the Italian Job & the fascinating observation regarding the symbolism of the Union flag (prominent at the beginning of the film) being replaced by the flag of St. George, as English football fans descend on Turin.
This is all the more interesting since the Italian Job was made only three yrs after Eng. won the World Cup in front of a crowd full of waving Union flags.
Not much had change by 1970 as far as I can tell.
Perhaps the makers of the Italian Job could sense the turn of the tide as early as 1969. I can't remember when I last saw a Union flag at an England game.
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Some future gazing regarding #Brexit. Two possible scenarios for consideration, and under both, Brexit just doesn’t go away.
1.We get a deal this year. It's thin for goods, with the benefits broadly limited to zero tariffs, at least on paper if not always in practice (see rules of origin & #automotive), & largely non-existent for services.
This new FTA world comes with considerable new cost that sends some businesses to the wall, and new friction that will cause significant disruption in some places (see Kent), but not everywhere.
...Sounds pretty cool, if a bit old. But, it's a multilateral treaty, rather than an Australia deal with the EU. Plus it doesn’t relate to trade. Not to worry, there are loads of others.
Some future gazing on #Brexit. Two possible scenarios under consideration...
1. We get a deal before the end of the transition. It's thin for goods, with the benefits broadly limited to zero tariffs, at least on paper if not always in practice (see rules of origin &#automotive), & largely nonexistent for services.
The new world of trading on an FTA comes with considerable new cost that sends some businesses to the wall, and new friction that will cause significant disruption in some places (see Kent), but none in others.
A few thoughts on the extent to which the EU does, or does not have a strategy when it comes to (i) #Brexit; and (ii) its long term relationship with the UK.
I have previously argued that the #EU appeared to be determined to treat the phase-two negotiations as though #Brexit were simply a matter of trade, rather than what it actually represents, namely the most extraordinary geopolitical curveball thrown in the west in a generation.
However, this depiction of the #EU’s approach isn’t quite fair. The EU is treating phase-two, both as a matter of trade, but also as a threat to it’s own short, medium & long-term interests.
Following some interesting exchanges, here’s a few late night thoughts on the extent to which the EU does, or does not have a strategy when it comes to (i) Brexit; and (ii) its long term relationship with the UK.
I have previously argued that the EU appeared to be determined to treat the phase-two negotiations as though Brexit were simply a matter of trade, rather than what it actually represents, namely the most extraordinary geopolitical curveball thrown in the west in a generation.
However, this depiction of the EU’s approach isn’t quite fair. The EU is treating phase-two, both as a matter of trade, but also as a threat to it’s own short, medium & long-term interests.
Stuck in a queue at the border? Take a quick break at the #Brexit drive-thru.
What can I get you?
Brexit
Okay. And how would you like that?
Hard
Can you be a bit more precise?
Certainly. I want complete regulatory autonomy, no EU laws anywhere in this most united of United Kingdoms, and the same Brexit for all four nations. Got it?
Sure. Anything else?
Well, I’m told I shouldn’t threaten peace and security. Best add a side order of “respecting the Good Friday Agreement”.