The British electorate’s vote to leave the European Union came as one of the most shocking recent developments in international affairs. What does it mean for Britain? For Europe? For the rest of us? A leading historian of modern Britain explores the implications of Brexit and places it in historical context.

James Cronin is a Professor of History at Boston College. His books include Global Rules: America and Britain in a Disordered World and New Labour’s Pasts: The Labour Party and its Discontents.