The Power of Brexit

After decades of a general trend towards “ever closer union” in Europe, UK voters abruptly decided, via a nonbinding referendum on 23rd June, to demand that the UK withdraw from the European Union (EU). Today, months later after the surprise outcome, and there is still much soul-searching and prognostication regarding the potential impact of “Brexit” on the economies not only of the UK, but also in Europe and the rest of the world. While there are many important Brexit-related issues to be studied and resolved before the UK is ready to leave the EU, few are as controversial or misunderstood as the UK’s membership of the European Atomic Energy Community, also known as Euratom. Specifically, should (or could) the UK remain a member of the European Atomic Energy Community even as it withdraws from the EU? To what extent should UK participation in Euratom continue post-Brexit? And what might happen if it doesn’t?