Conclusion: Euroscepticism and European (dis)integration in the age of Brexit

There are two competing visions of Euroscepticism. The first, which has long dominated political and academic discussion, views it as the grit in the system, the squeaks of adjustment as a new mode of governance emerges. The second perspective is that transitions are contingent and uncertain, without a pre-determined outcome. On this reading, political actors will take advantage of whatever opportunities present themselves to advance their agendas and shape politics, policy and polities. The referendum on the UK's membership held in June 2016 offers up a timely and vital opportunity to consider whether there might be a more definitive answer to the question of how to understand Euroscepticism. This chapter seeks to sketch out how Euroscepticism has operated in what is rightly seen as its most powerful expression. At the same time, it highlights the nebulous and inconsistent nature of the phenomenon and the questions that it raises.