Explore short, accessible pieces of analysis, research and commentary, on topical issues related to foreign policy and our changing world.
#GlobalBritain And The Value Of A Nation Brand
Is Global Britain just a reminder of the UK’s old brand or is it something different, a form of re-branding the UK’s international presence, influence, and capability?
How Plausible is a United UK Foreign Policy in Response to New Threats?
The Salisbury nerve agent attack has exposed yet another level of complexity in Britain’s already complicated foreign policy situation. It is a very visible reminder of the fragility of the security many of us enjoy in our private domestic lives in the face of the darker forces at work in the international system.
We Cannot Have a Foreign Policy That Defends Democracy Abroad Whilst We Abandon It At Home
British foreign policy has long been underpinned by the democratic ideals and well-established freedoms that we enjoy in our daily life. Yet today that credibility is under threat and with it our role as an international moral arbiter.
Catalonia and the UK: Worrying Trends in the Age of Disinformation
The Catalan crisis may not at first seem to have much to do with the UK. But in an age of ‘Fake News’ and with the growing power of public opinion over due process we should be very concerned at what events there might mean for us. The crisis also raises key questions about democracy, the rule of law, and the growing malign influence of foreign powers which, accompanied by questionable media coverage make it a worrying herald of things to come for the UK.
The Limits of Budget Diplomacy
Hot takes on Foreign Office funding in the budget suggested spending had fallen by 40% – from £2 Billion to £1.2 Billion as we leave the European Union. In fact, it is unclear that there will be any cuts immediately, as the gap is explained in the small print as being because ‘figures for 2018-19 and beyond do not reflect all transfers which will be made from DFID to other government departments’. This allocation will take place at a later time.
Rising Power: Revitalising British Foreign Policy for a New Global Era
The report calls for a new strategy bringing together defence, trade and diplomacy in an integrated foreign policy to secure a prosperous future.
Brexit From the Other Side
For the UK-EU deal, the only element that could shorten the odds and bring optimism to the table is good will; good will being the desire to get a successful resolution quickly. If all thirty-one parliaments, the EU Commission and the British Government share in this good will, the chances of the huge number of necessary events all having a successful outcome will be much higher. So, do they have this will?
The Great British Bake Off: A Patriotic Showstopper
The issue of national identity, inextricably tied to the notion of patriotism, remains a thorny and politically charged issue to the detriment of our national story. It’s about time we embraced what being patriotic should mean, and what better place to start than The Great British Bake Off.
How compatible is the UK’s National Self-Interest and its Arms Trade?
Arm exports are often defended on the basis of jobs and security. After Brexit, the UK must scrutinise these arguments to address whether our arms policy truly advances or undermines British interests in such volatile political circumstances.
UK-India Relations – Manoj Ladwa with BFPG’s Tom Cargill
Following a BFPG roundtable event on UK-India relations, Manoj Ladwa and BFPG’s Tom Cargill summarise the key issues raised.
In it together? Hurricanes, Brexit, and the future of the Overseas Territories
The apocalyptic destruction wreaked by Hurricane Irma, and now that of the almost certainly similarly devastating Hurricane Maria, has momentarily thrust the British Overseas Territories onto the news agenda. But how many people in the UK recognise the Britishness of these towns, villages and communities, populated almost entirely by British passport holders, in diverse territories that have chosen to remain associated with the UK?
In Search of our Mojo: Tackling Pessimism in UK Foreign Policy
Mick Jagger is one of the latest big names to share his rather pessimistic thoughts on UK foreign policy, in his case via song. Significant changes, both at home and abroad, have set in action an inevitable reshuffle in our foreign policy. But whilst a realistic and adequate response to the risks the UK faces is necessary, would a less fatalistic approach would help us all?
Funding international research collaboration focussed on UK priorities
The leading edge of research and technology innovation is tied to international collaborative research. It is therefore essential that UK science policy enables continuing participation in this network at the highest level, with a targeted and cost-effective management structure.
UN reform and the UK’s role
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? In my case – and assuming the kids are enjoying a rare bout of combined slumber – I check my smartphone and scroll through Twitter. A bad habit, but an addictive one. And just one example of how technology has uprooted the habits of previous generations.
Conservatives: Manifesto pledges on UK foreign policy
The BFPG’s Tom Cargill has taken all the foreign policy relevant sections of the 2017 Conservative manifesto and grouped them in one document to make it more accessible for everyone interested in UK foreign policy. He has also provided a short summary analysis of the foreign policy approach which emerges from the manifesto
Labour: Manifesto pledges on UK foreign policy
The BFPG’s Tom Cargill has taken all the foreign policy relevant sections of the 2017 Labour manifesto and grouped them in one document to make it more accessible for everyone interested in UK foreign policy. He has also provided a short summary analysis of the foreign policy approach which emerges from the manifesto
Liberal Democrats: Manifesto pledges on UK foreign policy
The BFPG’s Tom Cargill has taken all the foreign policy relevant sections of the 2017 Liberal Democrat manifesto and grouped them in one document to make it more accessible for everyone interested in UK foreign policy. He has also provided a short summary analysis of the foreign policy approach which emerges from the manifesto
Absolute Control: Brexit and Number 10’s growing hold on foreign policy
Nine months into office Theresa May has appeared increasingly to centralise foreign policymaking back in No.10. Long gone are the days of the laissez-faire approach of David Cameron, which was often represented by a high level of ministerial autonomy reinforced by collective decision-making. Instead May’s premiership has so far been embodied by a controlling caution which inevitably reflects both her personality and the mood of the country as we are propelled towards Britain leaving the European
#GE17: Bring on a Foreign Policy Election
We need to use this election as citizens to chart a bold path for the UK through a volatile world. This means discussing in practical terms about what we, as British citizens, need from the rest of the world, what we have to offer in return, the values we wish to project, and what we’re prepared to do to maintain our interests, lifestyles and security. This is the debate the British Foreign Policy Group has been established to support.
Gibraltar “Affair”–The Spanish View and a Lesson in Modern Diplomacy
This latest Gibraltar affair has shown how dramatization by some UK commentators can potentially undermine the broader diplomatic efforts of the UK. This includes the undermining of our international profile as an intelligent and reasonable actor, as seen by Spain’s Minster for Foreign Affairs, Alfonso Dastis, showing surprise at our “uncharacteristic lack of traditional British calm and composure”.
UK risks underestimating the dangerous signal that withdrawal from the ECHR would send to Russia.
During a conversation in December 2016 with a representative from the Council of Europe it was noted that Russia’s 2015 ruling allowing its courts to override judgments handed down by the ECtHR should be seen in a broader context of non-compliance amongst certain signatory states.
Indyref2 & UK Foreign Policy – Ever Decreasing Circles of Influence
The Scottish Nationalist Party’s (SNP) decision last week to call for a second independence referendum will have serious implications for the UK’s foreign policy. At the time of the 2014 referendum, much was said about how independence would affect Scotland and to a lesser extent the effects on the UK or the remainder of the UK (RUK). However, this time round there is the additional upheaval threatened by the vote to leave the European Union (EU). Regardless of the outcome of the Scottish refere
UK International Defence Engagement Strategy: A Balancing Act with Little Impact?
With Britain edging ever closer to negotiating our departure from the EU, the UK’s defence and security represents perhaps the most critical policy area which could see a significant shakeup. It was therefore in timely fashion that the UK’s International Defence Engagement Strategy (IDES) was published on February 17th laying out ‘how defence engagement contributes to delivering our vision of security and prosperity with strengthened influence to further our interests across the world’.
UK & US hand in hand: Values vs Interests in the Trump Era
Theresa May’s positive efforts to strengthen the ‘special relationship’ and the ensuing negative reactions in the UK are a sign of the significant challenges that the UK will face in implementing ‘Global Britain’. The Prime Minister’s visit to the US has raised questions in the UK about how the UK should balance an important alliance with the risk of a “guilt by association”, a challenge anticipated in a previous article published through the BFPG. Trump’s apparent vigour to fulfil campaign prom
