The Brexit topic is an interesting one. If you aren't familiar Brexit is the term used to refer to the vote today in the United Kingdom on whether to stay in the European Union or not.
The vote has polarized the UK. From what I have read the biggest arguments are between the economic benefits, but the loss of sovereignty and self governance if they stay. There are many specific sub-arguments, but those are the fundamental principles.
I have never even visited the UK so I don't have a strong opinion on the topic. However, it reminded me of something John Kerry the US Secretary of State said a couple months ago. He was speaking to graduates at Northeastern University in Boston. He said "You're about to graduate into a complex and borderless world".
We live in a smaller world then ever before. The internet brings ideas and concepts from every corner of our planet. So in a sense Secretary Kerry is correct. Things that borders used to meaningfully limit, like information, are no longer limited. Transportation advances mean people are able to move around unlike any other time in history.
Mr. Kerry seems to think that the idea of borders is an old and idealized view of a world gone by. While there are benefits to globalization, and I think there are things of value that can be learned from every culture it is not exclusively a good thing. There are people who do not like us and who want to hurt us. There are cultures that are fundamentally at odds with our culture of freedom, democracy, and the value of human life.
While I do not believe we should cut ourselves off from any and all interaction with the world, or even those cultures that don't share our values, there have to be limits.
That is what borders are for. Borders, both physically and conceptually work as a filter to protect us from people who are not good for us. The book Boundries by Dr. John Townsend outlines the concept for interpersonal relationships. While there may be limited crossover the idea holds true for countries too. We need to be able to set boundaries. Not just to protect us from bad guys, but with good boundaries comes a secure place to interact with the world. Good fences make good neighbors as the saying goes.
Not everyone is the same. Not everyone values the same things. That is ok, and it is even beautiful. We live in a diverse world and I would never want that to be different. Allowing each nation to set up their own rules and values allows them to express their uniqueness in a way that they would not be able to do if they had to comply with the values and rules of others.
Borders do not squelch diversity. They enable it.
So I commend my UK friends on their conversation about their place in the EU. This is a pivotal decision for them and really will be a reflection of their values. Do they value their national identity and autonomy or economy more? I don't think there is a wrong answer here. At least not from my external perspective. I hope they choose whichever truly reflects their convictions.
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