How the British Might Abandon Europe

Britain's general election on Thursday is one of the most unpredictable in a generation - not only in the United Kingdom, but across Europe. The vote itself is but the latest step in a fast-moving process of redefining Britain's role in Europe. A referendum on EU membership is likely to take place no matter who takes office at 10 Downing Street (only Britain's political right explicitly wants one). But even if the British people choose not to step out of the union - even if indeed they never do get the chance - it is already clear that British leadership and influence within Europe have taken a drubbing in recent years.