Realism can be defined simply as the maximization of power for one's state. Collective international organizations are essentially giving up some of your personal sovereignty along with other states for the common good. After reading the BBC article, I now realize that the UK was investing more in the EU than it was receiving in return. The EU has imposed a series of regulations and restrictions on business practices and has charged the UK billions of pounds in membership fees. The general feeling was that the UK was being held back by the EU both financially and politically. The model realist leader would therefore be in favor of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union