Explore short, accessible pieces of analysis, research and commentary, on topical issues related to foreign policy and our changing world.
Why the UK-Africa Investment Summit is an opportunity for Britain
When John Bolton was President Trump’s National Security Adviser, he argued that Africa would soon be home to a new phase of great power rivalries.
The week in foreign policy
After a start of the year characterised by climate crisis on multiple fronts and the threat of war with Iran, this week in foreign policy has been relatively calmer. The US and China have agreed to a ‘phase one’ trade deal, the Labour leadership contest trundles on, and the UK prepares for the UK-Africa Investment summit next week. Meanwhile, the race to become the US Democrat Party’s presidential nominee heats up as the Iowa caucus looms, and a spat between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren w
The week in foreign policy
In a week of dramatic and turbulent news stories, we have put together our picks of opinion and analysis from across the world that you might have missed.
Looking back on a decade of British foreign policy
Britain began the decade fighting Gaddafi in Libya, championing a ‘liberal-internationalist’ foreign policy that had carried the nation since the end of the Cold War. It ends the decade with this ideal in tatters. Then 2010s have seen the argument for ‘responsible interventionism’ lost. A botched intervention in Libya has left the nation state-less, with warring factions vying for control over oil-rich lands. The publication of the Chilcot Inquiry in 2016 confirmed what many already knew about t
The week in foreign policy
This week has seen the continuation of devastating bush fires in Australia in which 11 people have died and around half a billion animals have lost their lives. The fires have been caused, at least in part, by soaring temperatures and winds. Prime Minister Scott…
The only way is up – matching aspirations with action in space
Space is in. On the 20th November, NATO Foreign Ministers met in Brussels to prepare for last week’s NATO Summit in London. Much of the noise around the summit has been political – in the UK, it was focussed on how Boris Johnson would nullify…
What’s inside the minds of UK students on foreign policy
Inside the minds of UK students on foreign policy Throughout the General Election campaign, the British Foreign Policy Group have been traveling across the UK to listen to the foreign policy views of our youngest voting demographic: students. Whilst voter turnout was lowest amongst young…
In an unsafe world, can NATO last? – Rule Britannia
Director of the British Foreign Policy Group, Sophia Gaston, joined LBC presenter Tom Swarbrick on his new podcast Rule Britannia. Along with the UK Defence Journal’s Henry Smith, they discussed the future of NATO, the foreign policy pledges made by the major political parties in…
Public opinion on global threats and the future of NATO
The 2019 General Election has been unusual for a number of reasons, but particularly for the marked differences between the parties’ offerings on a range of issues – including foreign policy.
General election manifestos mark the end of British foreign policy consensus
Next month’s election has been variously framed as a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity, or an existential threat, with the future of Brexit, the NHS and our economic model all at stake. For the first time in many decades, so too are each of the…
NATO’s ‘brain-death’ linked to its members’ lack of foreign policy strategy
Emmanuel Macron’s recent interview in the Economist stirred controversy when he declared NATO as “brain-dead” as America “turns its back on the European project”. Regardless of whether one agrees with his assessment, Macron has sparked an important conversation about the future of NATO’s leadership, and…
The rise of the ‘climate election’?
Four years ago, when British voters re-elected David Cameron as their next Prime Minister, votes were cast on the issues of the economy, immigration and healthcare. ‘The environment’ did not even feature on Ipsos Mori’s list of fourteen key voter issues, and any mention of the climate was reserved for the Green Party, who returned just one MP in 2015.
Your Right to Know – Herald Sun
British Foreign Policy Group Director, Sophia Gaston, spoke to the Herald Sun in Australia about media freedoms – and the ways liberal democracies can and should define themselves against autocratic states.
What will be the impact of returning UKIP voters on Conservative foreign policy?
Earlier this year, we surveyed Britons about their views on the UK’s foreign policy activities and objectives.
Around the world, young people are fighting for freedom
Nearly nine years on from the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, the Tunisian fruit seller prevented from selling vegetables by state officials, that kickstarted the ‘Arab Spring’, protests are once again gripping several Arab countries.
Where do Labour Voters Stand on Foreign Policy?
Nearly nine years on from the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, protests are once again gripping several Arab countries.
British Foreign Policy Group welcomes Matt Gillow
Matt Gillow joins the British Foreign Policy Group The British Foreign Policy Group is today delighted to welcome Matt Gillow as our new Communications and Events Manager. Matt brings a depth of political experience to the British Foreign Policy Group. Also a Research Fellow at…
British Foreign Policy Group welcomes Katarina Kosmala-Dahlbeck
Katarina Kosmala-Dahlbeck joins the British Foreign Policy Group The British Foreign Policy Group is today delighted to welcome Katarina Kosmala-Dahlbeck as our new National Events & Engagement Manager. Katarina brings a depth of experience to the British Foreign Policy Group. Previously, she worked for an…
Sophia Gaston joins the British Foreign Policy Group
British Foreign Policy Group welcomes new Director The British Foreign Policy Group is today delighted to welcome our new Director, Sophia Gaston. Sophia’s background is in social and political research, with a deep grounding in foreign policy. She is also a Research Fellow in the…
Is grassroots foreign policy the answer for a post-Brexit UK?
Nearly nine years on from the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, the Tunisian fruit seller prevented from selling vegetables by state officials, that kickstarted the ‘Arab Spring’, protests are once again gripping several Arab countries.
A British Foreign Policy with a Digital Strategy
Nearly nine years on from the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, the Tunisian fruit seller prevented from selling vegetables by state officials, that kickstarted the ‘Arab Spring’, protests are once again gripping several Arab countries.
Britain’s Continued Identity Crisis Is Crippling Its Foreign Policy
Nearly nine years on from the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, the Tunisian fruit seller prevented from selling vegetables by state officials, that kickstarted the ‘Arab Spring’, protests are once again gripping several Arab countries.
How to respond to the protests in Sudan? The case for a responsible approach to armed intervention
The case for a responsible approach to armed intervention amid the protests in Sudan.
