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New world, new policy: Brexit and the U.S.

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International trade and investment issues grow more complex and require major reconsideration by governments, firms and individuals. No-one is exempt from the new policy directions of the U.S. government and the impending British exit (Brexit) from the European Union (EU). They are accompanied by extensive security concerns and the need to manage vast immigration flows. Many of the accompanying political battles are not only driven by national options, but reflect the “because we can” principle. While U.S. policy changes are still under construction, Britain delivers the EU separation documents consonant with Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon by the end of March which then marks the bureaucratic starting point of Brexit.

Americans have typically been isolated from many events and threats by two mighty oceans. New world, new policy affects the United States and Europe simultaneously. There are major changes in business relations within the EU, and important effects on culture on both sides of the Atlantic. Some say that rather than walking the walk of diversity, we are ominously close to a road of divisiveness. What then is necessary to avoid a dramatic deterioration of global civility, security, and economy? Understanding and preparation will not remove the thorn of separation, but may help reduce the pain of adjustment.

The British separation encourages other nations to seek acceptance of their special desires as well. But when there is a re-allocation of payments and supports, who will be the beast of burden and at what price? Also, what is the role of innovation and timing? As the United States discovers, being the first with good ideas and their implementation does not always pay off.

The self-inflicted British exit can weaken the economic relationship between the U.S., Britain, and the European Union. A UK departure shifts the entire European unification from an outlook of optimism and growth to a fear of long-term division. Britain’s significance as a business cluster is declining. Less demand for currency will keep the value of the pound and of non-Euro currencies low, but also gives their governments more ability to adjust and manage their currency and trade accounts. Relative salaries, housing prices, innovation and new ventures will become less robust. The plans of many people to establish their life in Britain will change. Inward tourism may rise but outward travel will suffer.

Fascinating on a psychological level is the fact that most people, on either side of the Atlantic, continue in a very protective phase of denial when looking at possible effects, both short and long term. Such a limited focus is restraints the willingness to prepare, since “it just won’t happen here to me.” Time will tell about the wisdom of the reduced response rationale. In the interim, the signs “We are European” may help shore up a countermovement to Brexit.

Trade and investment issues already thought settled will require revisitation and new access accords. New negotiations will be harder since all participants remember how things used to be but are not bound by that. To many the cost of renegotiations seems wasteful. But not adjusting to new conditions will risk instability to which Iceland can attest. The volume of new trade diplomacy and its collateral implications will produce new forms of negotiation, particularly close links to forecasting, and new formats of standardization, robotization and global subcontracting.

American outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will change. Every day almost one million people go to work in America for British companies. More than one million people go to work in Great Britain for American companies. Under new conditions, these numbers might shrink.

Both the United States and Britain require new relationships which are less organized by tradition but more individualistic and spontaneous. Social media can play a big role here Also, highly emphasized traditional business fundamentals such as competition, risk, profit, and ownership will have to be modified in favor of truthfulness, simplicity expanded participation and personal responsibility.

Friends and adversaries do not require winners and losers. With all the physical, technical and information resources now easily available, we must search for the spiritual soul of business, and make it catch up with the physical body. We all must contribute to find new paths to help others by sharing their burden. They in turn must be willing to share ours.

It used to be said that the United States and England are only separated by a common language. The near term future may see more separation of the two by new negotiations. There is the opportunity to improve relations with new negotiators who are not only rear view mirror oriented, risk averse or restrictive. Using past configurations as mile stones can help simplify future trade policy, but without mandatory orientation. Bilateral discussions between the U.S. and the UK must focus on the building of strength. Global openness with reasonable partners, accompanied by transparency, and in support of balanced consumption are key objectives for progress towards a better human condition.

© Japan Today

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Neither negotiating teams can agree the guidelines or objectives for withdrawal.

The EU council can set guidelines.The European Council, and the European Commission will all have a agenda position and role for priorities yes. Objectives, planing strategy no. The mandate for how negotiations will be conducted has to be agreed between the commission and council.

There not even an outline for ensuring EU workers and there families have a right to stay. Likewise there is no protection for UK citizens living in Europe.

Article 50 is a total farce without any legal framework if talks were to break down.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It used to be said that the United States and England are only separated by a common language.

Grrrrrr. If you mean the UK say it; the UK, England, Great Britain are different things and not interchangeable.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

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