Ruminations about Brexit, or the exit of Britain from the European Union, are rife. Some argue for it, and some against, but most people are somewhere in between. The assumed costs and benefits of exit are all over the place, as well. One reason for this is that economics is hardly a science. Neither is business, whatever it actually is. In terms of science, politics is also nowhere, and political science is just an arbitrary turn of phrase. Thus it is not surprising that there are opinions galore as to whether or not Britain should exit the Union. But the only relevant questions about Brexit are when to expect the referendum and what its outcome is likely to be. Everything else is for the birds. The referendum was originally scheduled for 2017, but it is actually likely to take place in 2016. In fact, the earlier the better, for the uncertainty surrounding it will undoubtedly have a negative effect on the British economy and its political stature in world affairs. That is the only “cost” worth worrying about. As for the outcome of the referendum, opinion polls suggest that most Britons favor exit at this juncture. What with America as an ally and the British Commonwealth as the backdrop, Britain is likely to do well without the Union. In short, the main problem at present is the timing of the referendum. Once again, the earlier, the better. Any further discussion of this issue is a waste of time. And money.

Addendum (September 12, 2016)

Now that Brexit is squarely behind us, everything is hunky-dory once again. Costs and benefits of leaving the European Union will take years to fathom, but it is safe to bet that they will forever remain a bone of contention between Britons on two sides of the referendum. The key thing at present is that the uncertainty has dissolved once and for all. Which is why the early referendum was crucial in the conundrum. In the long run, I expect that the States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will remain closely tied to Britain. The English language is the miracle glue. The ties cannot but strengthen over time, as well. Over the years, there will be few worries worth talking about, I am ready to bet. In the meanwhile, the Union will be facing ever-greater challenges, including eventual dissolution. By and by, Brexit will be recognized as a godsend.