Journal of Languages and Translation
Volume 6, Numéro 1, Pages 270-285
2026-01-01
Britishness In Flux: The Impact Of Brexit On National Identity
Authors : Becharef Asmaa . Berrezoug Hanaà .
Abstract
This paper examines the future of British national identity ("Britishness") in the aftermath of Brexit, exploring the interplay between state institutions and national identity in the United Kingdom. Drawing on historical and contemporary analyses, the study argues that Britishness, originally forged in the 18th century through institutional unions and imperial narratives, has undergone significant transformations due to the collapse of the British Empire, devolution, and European integration. The Brexit referendum, framed by identity politics and nationalist rhetoric, revealed deep regional divisions within the UK, with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales expressing divergent political and identitarian responses. The paper highlights how Brexit has reinvigorated debates about national identity, sovereignty, and the potential reconfiguration of the UK's political union. It concludes that Britishness must adapt to a post-Brexit era by redefining its civic and ethno-cultural dimensions, balancing inclusivity with distinctiveness, and addressing the challenges posed by rising populism and internal fragmentation. The study underscores the need for a revitalized "Citizen Nation" model to sustain British identity amid ongoing institutional and societal changes.
Keywords
Brexit ; britishness ; national identity ; united kingdom
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