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Mark Blyth, a professor of political economy, was one of only a few academics who correctly guessed three of the biggest political shocks of 2017. The Brown University lecturer was adamant Britain would vote to leave the European Union, Donald Trump would become next president and Italy would vote No in its referendum. The professor’s calls were a stark contrast against what the vast majority of polls and other pundits had predicted. Prof Blyth believes the crumbling bloc may fall even before Britain triggers Article 50, the formal process for the leaving the European Union. He also warned that attempts to stop Marine Le Pen being elected by the left uniting behind Thatcherite Francois Fillon could backfire.

GETTY•BBC Professor Mark Blyth believes 2017 could be the year the EU ceases to exist

It might be the case the EU ceases to exits before Article 50 is invoked Prof Mark Blyth

Speaking on BBC’s Newsnight he said: “For all this... about Brexit and whether Britain should have left, it might be the case the EU ceases to exist before Article 50 is invoked. “You have an election coming up in France. It’s entirely plausible the National Front will win the first round. “At that point everyone in France is meant to organise a giant blocking collation to stop them being elected. “That would mean everyone on the French left would have to vote for someone who basically wants to bring Thatcher’s economic policy menu to France, and that’s after eight years of stagnations – that’s going to be a very hard sell.”

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The bold prediction caused a mix reaction of both optimism and dread on social media. One person tweeted: “Fingers crossed!” Another said: “That’s bold mate” While a final user added: “Yep, not gonna happen”. Nigel Farage has repeatedly warned a Le Pen victory during the French election could trigger the collapse of the EU. “If she did win, it would be the end of the European project,” he said late last year. The former Ukip leader has also launched a scathing attack on Angela Merkel – one of the EU's core supporters who herself is facing an election in the autumn of 2017. Discussing Mrs Merkel's support of Schengen, Mr Farage told Fox Business: “We saw that horrendous crashing into the Christmas market in Berlin just before Christmas.

GETTY Nigel Farage has repeatedly warned the EU could collapse