Abstract

In this paper I attempt a novel interpretation of Brexit as a ‘wicked problem’. Wicked problems are those which are unique and complex, full of internal contradictions, and defy solution, instead only creating other problems. After reviewing the lead-up to the 2016 Brexit referendum, particularly the role of immigration, the core of the paper takes the main criteria for the specification of a wicked problem and applies them to Brexit. Special attention is given to two propositions: that every wicked problem is a symptom of other problems; and that every attempted solution to a wicked problem produces irreversible consequences. Both are seen to apply to Brexit. In the conclusion, I explore ‘wicked synergies’ between Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic.

摘要

在本文中，我尝试以新颖的方式将英国退欧解释为“邪恶的问题”。邪恶的问题是那些独特而复杂的问题，充满了内部矛盾，并且无法解决问题，而只会制造其他问题。在回顾了2016年英国脱欧公投的准备工作之后，特别是移民的作用之后，论文的核心采用了规范严重问题的主要标准并将其应用于英国脱欧。特别注意两个命题：每个邪恶的问题都是其他问题的征兆；并且，每一个试图解决邪恶问题的方法都会产生不可逆转的后果。两者都被认为适用于英国退欧。最后，我探讨了英国退欧与冠状病毒大流行之间的“邪恶协同作用”。