Recently, after a national referendum, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. This “British exit” (or Brexit) was a momentous decision, and a decision that had to be made by British citizens. Over 200 years ago our Founding Fathers launched a new destiny of self-government and the ability for citizens to have a voice in their government — in this spirit the United States should respect the choice of millions of Britons.
Yet, we should remain clear-eyed about what this decision means when limited to the impact on the United States and our foreign policy. A change of memberships in international organizations does not and should not necessitate a change in our alliances. It is crucial that through the transition we maintain our “special relationship” with the United Kingdom, but also with the member nations of the European Union. Lack of unity will place us at risk in the Global War on Terrorism and could provide opportunities for an increasingly irresponsible Russia to promote aggression in Eastern Europe — which has already cost 7,000 lives and is counter-productive for the people of Russia and Eastern Europe.
The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union are all allies in the Global War on Terrorism — a war that has touched our borders and the borders of the member countries many times since Sept. 11. We’ve worked closely with members of the European Union to share intelligence in our fight. Indeed, the fight has grown, and subsequently our intelligence cooperation is more important than ever as we face mutual threats from state and non-state actors who sponsor terrorism or engage in terrorist actions.
We’ve also worked together on counter-terrorism operations. Specifically, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy have joined us in our mission overseas to combat terrorism and train the militaries of our allies in the Middle East, such as the Afghan National Force and the Iraqi Security Forces. Other member states of the European Union, including Austria, Finland, Sweden and more, have contributed support to our shared goal of defeating terrorists overseas and eliminating safe havens, which threaten American families.
There is no doubt that Vladimir Putin is viewing the Brexit as an opportunity to exploit a seemingly-divided Europe. This comes from a leader who in recent years has attacked Ukraine by unlawfully annexing Crimea, and regularly meddles in the political affairs of sovereign states — many who seek to join the European Union or NATO.
Ultimately, what would be truly dangerous for the United States would be division. Brexit does not have to divide us from our shared goals with the U.K. and the European Union — but rather it gives us a unique opportunity to heighten the role of NATO, the most successful military alliance in history, establishing the largest number of free market democracies in world history. It is especially significant as our mutual goals now focus on preventing threats and attacks on our borders, rather than exclusively advancing our shared economic interests.
Since the U.S. and the U.K. have maintained close intelligence-sharing relationships since the 1940s, I am confident we will continue our partnership outside of the European Union. As the terms of Brexit are negotiated, I hope the president will continue these partnerships with the members of the European Union as well.
Though memberships in multi-national organizations may change, one of the core strengths of U.S. foreign policy comes from cooperation with the U.K. and members of the European Union — cooperation that does not have to change because of Brexit.
No matter our respective memberships, our strength comes from our longstanding shared heritage, friendship and cooperation — none of which have to change because of Brexit. I urge the administration to use the NATO summit this week to ensure our alliances between the United Kingdom and other European countries remain strong in the fight against terrorism and aggression from an increasingly hostile Russia.
Congressman Joe Wilson represents the Second Congressional District of South Carolina and is Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. He is a co-chair of the Congressional United Kingdom Caucus and a member of the Congressional Caucus on the European Union. Thinking of submitting an op-ed to the Washington Examiner? Be sure to read our guidelines on submissions.
