Brexit’s Aftermath:  Referendum Contagion?

It’s bigger than Trump.

That’s the instant, inescapable, and more than a little harrowing takeaway from Britain’s vote Thursday to leave the European Union (“Brexit”).

What’s less clear:  1) how far will the pendulum swing towards protectionism?; 2) who will be the leaders of this nascent movement?; and 3) whose agenda(s) are they really pushing — theirs, or their followers’?**

Disaster — or Opportunity?

While Brexit is certainly a rebuke of free trade, open markets, and the “Haves” (elites?) who most benefit from same, it’s hardly self-evident to me that the inevitable consequence is economic ruin and renewed European political strife.

I can see the potential for positives, too.

Like fairer, more economically inclusive societies, which in turn lay the foundation, long-term, for more and healthier social and economic integration.

Or if you prefer, “one step back to go two steps forward.”

**In contrast to Donald Trump, I can’t imagine FDR, in the middle of the Great Depression, using a press conference to hawk his branded water, wine, steaks, etc. (overpriced and mediocre at that).

Memo to Donald: if you want more voters to seriously consider you, put your business(es) in a blind trust yesterday, and focus on politics.

Or, don’t you have enough money (yet)?

About the author

Ross Kaplan has 19+ years experience selling real estate all over the Twin Cities. He is also a 12-time consecutive "Super Real Estate Agent," as determined by Mpls. - St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Magazine. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Ross was an attorney (corporate law), CPA, and entrepreneur. He holds an economics degree from Stanford.

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