The Brexit hypothesis and prehistory

K Brophy�- Antiquity, 2018 - cambridge.org
K Brophy
Antiquity, 2018cambridge.org
Archaeologists have more opportunities than ever to disseminate their research widely—
and the public more opportunities to engage and respond. This has led to the increasing
mobilisation of archaeological data and interpretations within the discourses of nationalism
and identity politics. This debate piece introduces the Brexit hypothesis, the proposition that
any archaeological discovery in Europe can—and probably will—be exploited to argue in
support of, or against, Brexit. Examples demonstrate how archaeological and ancient DNA�…
Archaeologists have more opportunities than ever to disseminate their research widely—and the public more opportunities to engage and respond. This has led to the increasing mobilisation of archaeological data and interpretations within the discourses of nationalism and identity politics. This debate piece introduces the Brexit hypothesis, the proposition that any archaeological discovery in Europe can—and probably will—be exploited to argue in support of, or against, Brexit. Examples demonstrate how archaeological and ancient DNA studies are appropriated for political ends, and a series of recommendations and strategies for combatting such exploitation are proposed by the author.
Cambridge University Press