Explore short, accessible pieces of analysis, research and commentary, on topical issues related to foreign policy and our changing world.
BFPG’s May 2026 Review
A review of BFPG's activities and responses to the major global events of May 2026.
Soft power is the edge in a hard power era
Jack Pannell argues that in a volatile world, soft power remains vital to the UK, and that hard and soft power are not an either-or trade-off.
BFPG’s April 2026 Review
A review of BFPG's activities and responses to the major global events of April 2026.
A Careful Diplomatic Dance: What to expect from King Charles’ Visit to the United States
Evie Aspinall argues that in a moment of major geopolitical uncertainty the UK is, rightly, using every diplomatic tool it can, to mitigate the impacts of the worst excesses of the Trump presidency.
The Public: The Missing Piece in UK Readiness
Evie Aspinall argues that if the UK must increase defence spending, the question isn't just how to do it militarily, but how to do it politically — and that requires bringing the public with it.
BFPG’s March 2026 Review
A review of BFPG’s activities and responses to the major global events of March 2026.
A huge opportunity: Britain as a ‘subtle power’ superpower
In an increasingly volatile global environment, this piece explores the role of ‘subtle power’ in defining the UK’s role in the world.
Playing it straight and narrow in Hormuz has hurt the Special Relationship
Michael Martins examines the ongoing conflict in Iran and what it means for the Special Relationship between the UK and the United States.
There are few "faraway places" left: how the United States' attack on Iran pushes UK foreign and domestic policy even closer together
David Landsman argues that the conflict in Iran and its wide-ranging consequences will push the realms of foreign and domestic policy even closer together.
BFPG's February 2026 Review
A review of BFPG's activities and responses to the major global events of February 2026.
Foreign Policy from the Sidelines: Green and Reform's China Policies
James Jennion explores the foreign policy positions of Reform UK and the Green Party on China.
Britain Backed Greenland's Autonomy – What Does That Mean for Wales?
Both the UK and Denmark are unitary states with significant devolved and autonomous regions. For Wales, watching Greenland's story unfold raises the question: Can Britain learn from Greenland to build a better relationship with its own devolved nations?
Government Foreign Policy Must Reckon with an Increasingly Muscular Parliament
Parliament is developing more constitutional powers on foreign policy and has grown increasingly rebellious. Both government and MPs will have to change how they think about foreign policy, and how foreign policy decisions are made.
BFPG's January 2026 Review
A review of BFPG's activities and responses to the major global events of January 2026, including Trump's threats over Greenland, Starmer's visit to China, and the introduction of new Senior Researcher Jack Pannell.
What we learned from Keir Starmer’s speech on Greenland and UK-US Relations of the world order
BFPG summarises the key takeaways from Starmer’s statement on Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on the UK over Greenland.
Sovereignty, moral high grounds and the future of the world order
As President Trump attacks Venezuela and leaves key UN institutions, BFPG explores what it means for future global norms and security.
How the Government can beat the bad headlines about China
BFPG Associate Fellow James Jennion examines how the UK’s inconsistent responses to China reveal a lack of strategic clarity in managing the relationship.
The 2025 G20 Summit: Prioritising Africa’s Developmental Agenda
BFPG Associate Fellow Mohamed Cassimjee examines how the first-ever G20 Summit on African soil tests whether major powers can match rhetoric with real partnership.
BFPG’s October 2025 Review
A review of BFPG’s activities and responses to the major global events of October 2025.
Britain’s Hard-Nosed Turn in Foreign Policy: Calculated or Cautious?
Eliza Keogh explores shifting public attitudes, as Britons value pragmatism in foreign policy, backing trade and aid that deliver economic and security returns over values.
BFPG’s September 2025 Review
A review of BFPG’s activities and responses to the major global events of September 2025.
Giving defence the respect it’s due: from National Security Strategy to a Realist(ic) Way Forward
Senior Advisor David Landsman argues that while Britain’s security reviews are technically impressive, they lack a clear definition of national interest, honesty about resources, and public support.
BFPG’s Summer 2025 Review
A review of BFPG’s activities over July and August of 2025.
