Brexit was promoted as a way to 'take back control' and restore sovereignty to the British Parliament and people. This assumes the 'Westminster view' that the UK is a unitary, sovereign state and that sharing sovereignty is alien to it. Viewed from the periphery, the UK is a plurinational union without a clearly defined demos, telos or ethos.

From that perspective it is a good fit with the EU, and the European framework has provided an essential support to the internal devolution settlement. Brexit is therefore profoundly destabilising. Possible scenarios are: disintegration of the UK; recentralisation; and reconfiguration as the various components of the UK work out different positions with regard to Europe. All are difficult and the future is highly uncertain.

Michael Keating is Professor of Politics at the University of Aberdeen and has previously taught at universities in England, Scotland and Canada and at the European University Institute in Florence.

This event takes place live and online. Registration necessary.

For Zoom details please register at: events.gbz@hu-berlin.de