Other Countries Could Follow Britain's Lead

The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union has blown shockwaves throughout the globe. While the citizens are questioning their identity and what it means to now soon no longer be a part of the EU, other citizens in union's member states are likely asking, will my country leave the European Union? While the U.K.'s decision to drop out has been an absolutely unprecedented move, it could have unintended consequences that would change the whole world.

According to a poll by YouGov performed in early June, European citizens overwhelmingly thought other countries would leave if Britain did. YouGov polled people in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Finland. Of those seven countries, a majority in every single one thought it was likely other countries would follow in a surge for independence.

NBC News reported that Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands would be the countries to watch when it comes to the countries that would be most likely to leave. The Washington Post added that France, Hungary, and Greece are also ones to keep an eye on. But as Vox pointed out, the European Union might negotiate new rules in an effort to discourage the other 27 member states from leaving.

The founder of the French Institute of International Relations, Thierry de Montbrial, told The New York Times that the Brexit vote would mean total chaos for the European Union. "There will be huge political transition costs, on how to solve the British exit, and the risk of a domino effect or bank run from other countries that think of leaving.”

When it comes to if another country would leave or not, it really comes down to what the main sentiment regarding immigration and nationalism is that most citizens hold. The U.K. Independence Party (UKIP) was one of the main groups pushing for a Brexit, and the group also has a significant anti-refugee stance. Other countries — not unlike the United States — have seen a similar rise in far-right positions. So it's not impossible that other countries will point to Britain as an example.

All this said, the EU probably won't be dissolving anytime soon, but that definitely doesn't mean no one else will follow Britain's lead.