Gibraltarian-ness and Brexit; The influence of the pending Brexit on the Gibraltarian iden-tity

Keywords
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Authors
Issue Date
2019-07-12
Language
en
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In June 2016 the Gibraltarian public voted with an overwhelming majority against leaving the European Union (EU). Despite this they are set to leave the EU together with the United Kingdom (UK). This study focuses on the reasons for this pro-European attitude and its influence on the already hybrid Gibraltarian identity, as well as on the way in which the pending Brexit might influence this pro-European attitude and Gibraltar’s relationship with Spain and the UK. Research shows that national identity in enclaves, is often influenced by conflict, and by its relationships with the mainland (UK) and the surrounding state (Spain). This study therefore researches how the Brexit changes the nature of these relationships, and how worsening relations with both Spain and the EU might influence the Gibraltarian identity. The respondents in this study expressed a disenchantment with the EU since the Brexit vote, as well as a growing distrust towards Spain and a worsening relationship with Spain. The relationship between the UK and Gibraltar isn’t called into question. It is unclear whether the Brexit directly impacts the Gibraltarian identity, this research does however suggest that the worsening relationship with Spain and the general uncertainty influence the specific Gibraltarian identity.
Description
Citation
Faculty
Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen