Explore short, accessible pieces of analysis, research and commentary, on topical issues related to foreign policy and our changing world.
Key Takeaways from the Foreign Office’s 2018-19 Departmental Accounts
BFPG Associate Sam Goodman takes a look at the 2018-19 Foreign Office Accounts and provides a useful summary of budget and staff data.
Feeling Disengaged from UK Foreign Policy: the Gender Divide
Recent polling carried out by BMG Research on behalf of the BFPG suggests that women in the UK feel notably less engaged on foreign policy than men, one of the more striking divides on foreign policy in Britain
Diplomacy as a front-line service
When we think of front-line services protecting and serving the British public, we rarely think of diplomats. But that is what they often are, scattered across over 120 countries.
The British Foreign Policy Group welcomes Flora Holmes
Flora Holmes joins the British Foreign Policy Group The British Foreign Policy Group is today delighted to welcome Flora Holmes, who joins the team as a Researcher. Previously, Flora has worked in research in both the UK and EU Parliaments – directly for a Member…
The UK Should Stay Committed to the Iran Nuclear Deal — Student Ambassador Series
Current news cycles have been dominated by growing tensions between American and Iranian forces. The foundations of this tension lie with Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal last year and reimpose US sanctions.
Jeremy Hunt’s Mansion House Speech: On Manoeuvres?
On Monday the Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt gave a speech at the Mansion House in London on the UK after Brexit. The speech was noted in particular for straying beyond the traditional limits of foreign policy into defence and domestic issues. But whilst it is no secret that Mr Hunt is one of the many contenders to be the next Conservative leader, and perhaps Prime Minister, the speech was perhaps more valuable in signposting the growing recognition that the UK’s international and domestic prospe
UK Government Foreign Policy Ministers
A simple guide to all UK Government Foreign Policy Ministers across the FCO, DfID, MoD and DIT. Who are they, and what department do they work in?
China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Towards a British Response Strategy – Student Ambassador Series
Since its inception in 2013, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has seen enormous expansion over 2018 and the first quarter of 2019. It has become President Xi Jinping’s foreign policy ‘brand’. At present, the BRI aims to connect 71 economies through Europe, Asia and Africa, with a vast ‘belt’ of overland economic corridors and a corresponding maritime ‘road,’ ostensibly promoting trans-continental cooperation whilst maximising Chinese prosperity. Estimates for cost differ as the BRI expands
Escaping the past: Why we need an honest re-assessment of British Foreign Policy priorities
As Britain edges ever closer to the date of its exit of from the European Union, the UK’s diplomatic failure over the last few years becomes increasingly evident. There is a growing consensus that the UK Government has been outmanoeuvred and outgunned in its Brexit negotiations with EU officials, ceding ground the minute it accepted the EU’s sequencing of talks, and triggered Article 50.
Huawei or the Highway: Is the Tech Giant Really a Threat?
Huawei is facing an existential crisis throughout Europe and North America. The Chinese tech giant is the world’s largest telecommunications equipment maker and has recently overtaken Apple in becoming the world’s second-largest supplier of smartphones. Founded in 1987, boasting 180,000 employees and over $92.55 billion in revenue , Huawei has been deemed the crown jewel of Chinese tech. Huawei has won over 25 commercial 5G contracts worldwide .
Ten International Opportunities for the UK in 2019
It may seem impossible to see through the Brexit fog, but the rest of the world continues to present significant challenges and opportunities for the UK in 2019. Many of the top ten countdowns over the New Year focused on risks – and they remain considerable. But, despite everything, the UK will remain one of the world’s largest and most advanced economies with deeper and more complex trading, security, diplomatic and cultural ‘soft power’ links globally than almost any country in the world. Bre
National Engagement on the UK’s Place in the World: Work in Progress
The British Foreign Policy Group has now for two years been hosting events and building networks around the UK to engage with communities and better understand the shifting dynamics of the UK’s international links and ambitions. Our most recent event was in Coventry, talk to people from business, local authority and civil society, along with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and others, on what communities in the city and wider West Midland’s think about and want from our foreign policy as
How the UK is tackling illegal wildlife trade
The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a global crisis involving organised criminal networks and is estimated to be worth up to £17 billion a year. It is a foreign policy issue because not only does it threaten species with extinction, but it damages economic growth and sustainable development, is fuelled by corruption, and undermines good governance and the rule of law. Urgent, united action by the international community is vital.
Hunting for fresh talent: discussion of external appointments hints at more profound changes within the FCO
Jeremy Hunt’s speech suggesting external appointments might be made to the FCO is important, and welcome, but it’s not new. The debate over the merits of external appointments to key diplomatic positions has gone back and forth within and around the FCO for some years. In many ways this struggle has represented a far wider generational tension between more ‘traditional’ diplomats who were born and joined the FCO during the long afterglow of World War 2 & Empire, and a younger generation who
Why investing in the UK’s Space sector matters for the UK’s international success post Brexit
What is the link between SDGs, and the UK’s Space and Foreign Policy? Why is Space Technology important to foster cooperation between states and tackle the prominent global challenges of our time. BFPG’s Nadia Khan examines why investing in the UK’s space programme is the key to enhancing the UK’s profile post Brexit.
73rd UN General Assembly: a revival of UK-UN relations?
Why was the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly important for the UK in the context of the Global Britain Agenda, and what did this reveal about the UK’s current relationship with the UN? Nadia Khan assesses the UK delegations commitments against the challenges that the UK faces domestically, and at an international level.
Global Britain and UK Foreign Policy in Yemen
In light of the UK’s strong commitments to the rules based international system, at the 73rd UN General Assembly, what does this mean for the UK’s future relationship with Saudi Arabia? What are the implications of this relationship on the Humanitarian crisis in Yemen? In the context of the UK’s Global Britain agenda, Liam Walpole lays out some of the apparent tensions between UK actions and aspirations in the Middle East.
After The Dance: Making the most of business opportunities from the PM’s Africa visit
Although the PM’s recent Africa visit was largely misunderstood or patronized by the UK media, it represented an important and welcome indication of fresh ambitious thinking in delivering HMG support to securing post-Brexit trade growth. But it also raised serious questions as to whether the UK is fully prepared to compete for the opportunities Africa represents to UK business.
Prime Minister in waiting: Why Political Rivals Rarely Make Good Foreign Secretaries – or Good Foreign Policy
The departure of Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary marks the end of the second occasion in recent years where a would-be ‘prime minister in waiting’, and direct rival, has occupied the Foreign Office. What is the impact of this on UK foreign policy?
The NHS – A Model for UK Diplomats?
Jeremy Hunt has the opportunity to bring NHS experience to a whole set of new challenges at the Foreign Office. What does he bring to the job?
Britain and Latin America: New Opportunities in the Post-Brexit Era?
Could free trade agreements soon change the outlook of UK-Latin American relations to allow the UK to become a more Global Britain? How likely is Britain to successfully compete with economic heavyweights such as China and the US to achieve this aim?
Announcement: The Rt Hon Gisela Stuart – new Honorary President of the British Foreign Policy Group
We are pleased to announce that the Rt Hon Gisela Stuart will take up the role of Honorary President of the British Foreign Policy Group (BFPG), with immediate effect. Gisela is the second Honorary President to be appointed to the BFPG, with Sir Simon Fraser GCMG taking up the role last week.
Announcement: Sir Simon Fraser GCMG: new Honorary President of the British Foreign Policy Group
We are pleased to announce that Sir Simon Fraser GCMG, Managing Partner of Flint Global, will take up the role of the first Honorary President of the British Foreign Policy Group (BFPG), with immediate effect.
