Explore short, accessible pieces of analysis, research and commentary, on topical issues related to foreign policy and our changing world.
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.
Tom Tugendhat’s Speech at RUSI: Just a Boris Bromance or a Real Call for Change?
A commentary by Tom Cargill reacting to Tom Tugendhat’s speech at RUSI in which he called for Boris Johnson to be given “more power”.
The Price of Freedom: A 3% GDP Target For Securing UK International Interests
This BFPG report discusses whether current spending (around 2.75% of GDP in 2016/2017) is sufficient to protect and promote UK interests and values internationally.
#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?