The goal of the study is to provide a comprehensive description of the foreign policy of the United Kingdom on bilateral and multilateral levels.
As we slowly approach the end of the first quarter of the XXI century, multiple challenges of global and regional level emerge. Contemporary international architecture faces serious shifts in multiple areas, including regional and global security, the growing issue of climate change, the rise of new powers and authoritarianism, global pandemics, emergence of new technologies, increasing importance of space and cyber–environment and many more. All this turmoil in international relations increases pressure on the global community and forces it to adapt to the new reality, where states become more competitive and are forced to choose sides, while simultaneously trying to prevent the growing disasters of the future. In the realm of European politics, a new power emerged at the end of this decade – the United Kingdom, which was seeking a new role in the multilateral global system after leaving the European Union. As the nation decided on Brexit, it began to face the biggest identity crisis since the end of the Cold War. As a result, a new foreign policy vision by the name of “Global Britain” emerged, paving the way for new opportunities and new challenges at the same time. This vision aims to expand the influence of the United Kingdom all over the globe, strengthen its resilience at home and abroad, make use of the country’s leading Science and Tech sector, reassure its commitments to the principle of democracy, open and free trade, human rights and the rule of law, thus securing the county's position as a regional power with global ambitions and a true leader on the international stage.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1. CONCEPTUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL BASIS OF FOREIGN POLICY
1.1. Conceptual and legal foundations of foreign policy
1.2. Subjects responsible for implementation of foreign policy
CHAPTER 2. FOREIGN POLICY: BILATERAL DIMENSIONS
2.1. Strategic dimension of bilateral cooperation
2.2. Security dimension of cooperation with other states
2.3. Economic dimension of bilateral cooperation
CHAPTER 3. COOPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
3.1. The United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations
3.2. The United Kingdom and the United Nations
3.3. The United Kingdom and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
CONCLUSIONS
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the United Kingdom's foreign policy in the post-Brexit era, specifically evaluating its strategic navigation on both bilateral and multilateral levels as it seeks to define its role as "Global Britain" amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes.
- The "Global Britain" vision and its conceptual implementation.
- Key decision-making institutions behind UK foreign policy.
- Bilateral strategic partnerships, with a focus on the US and Ukraine.
- Security cooperation and the role of the AUKUS pact.
- UK engagement with international bodies like the Commonwealth, UN, and NATO.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Conceptual and legal foundations of foreign policy
The United Kingdom is rightfully one of the most influential actors in world affairs in the XXI century. Its regional gravity and global ambitions are destined to have a major impact on the inevitable evolution of the international system in the future. Its efforts of global engagement have already started to pay off, establishing the nation as a new leading power in the world. One of the most significant consequences of Brexit was the country's biggest identity crisis since the end of the Cold War. Britain’s willingness to reconfigure its global image and engage more deeply with regional and international networks, as a result of withdrawal from the European Union, has led to the emergence of the new foreign policy vision for the country – Global Britain.
The vision was first outlined by the Prime Minister Theresa May in the speech to the Conservative Party Conference on 2 October 2016. Then in December of the same year the Foreign Secretary gave his first major policy speech at Chatham House – Beyond Brexit: a Global Britain – which set out his vision for the future of UK foreign policy, characterized by leadership and engagement in world affairs. Yet, at that time, no minister could give a definitive explanation of “Global Britain”. The Foreign Office provided a memorandum on 1 March 2018 that explained its “vision of Global Britain and the role of the [FCO] in supporting and enabling government departments to deliver it.” The memorandum did clarify some points about the ambitions of the new foreign policy, yet it did not propose any means by which to measure the success of Global Britain and was also heavily criticized for its vague nature. Former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Baroness Ashton described it as an “aspiration”, while former Permanent Under Secretary at the FCO Sir Simon Fraser called it “a bit of a slogan, or a headline, that people are using with different intent [14].” It was clear that the initiative had potential and needed more time and work to evolve into a complete and inclusive foreign policy agenda.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1. CONCEPTUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL BASIS OF FOREIGN POLICY: This chapter outlines the emergence of the "Global Britain" vison following Brexit and identifies the four primary institutional bodies responsible for shaping national foreign policy.
CHAPTER 2. FOREIGN POLICY: BILATERAL DIMENSIONS: This section investigates the strategic and economic relationships the UK maintains with key global partners, highlighting the prioritization of ties with the US and Ukraine and the newer security focus in the Indo-Pacific via the AUKUS pact.
CHAPTER 3. COOPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: This chapter analyzes the British approach to multilateralism through its historical and modern engagement with the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, and NATO, emphasizing the UK's role as a cornerstone member of these institutions.
Keywords
Global Britain, Foreign Policy, Brexit, Bilateral Relations, International Organizations, United Kingdom, Security, Diplomacy, Trade, Economic Partnership, NATO, Commonwealth, United Nations, AUKUS, Multilateralism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this term paper?
This paper examines the foreign policy of the United Kingdom at the current stage, analyzing how the nation has navigated the post-Brexit environment to redefine its global role under the "Global Britain" banner.
What are the core themes explored in the research?
The research focuses on the conceptual basis of modern British foreign policy, the administrative structures behind policy implementation, bilateral alliances, and the UK's strategic engagement with international organizations.
What is the central goal of this study?
The goal is to provide a comprehensive description of the UK's bilateral and multilateral foreign policy, assessing the tools and institutional framework used to promote British interests globally.
Which methodology is adopted in this paper?
The study utilizes a variety of analytical methods, including document analysis of official policy papers, case studies of specific international partnerships, scientific synthesis, and prognostics.
What specific topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the "Global Britain" vision, the roles of the FCDO and the Prime Minister, trade and security partnerships with the US, Germany, and China, as well as the UK's influence within the UN, Commonwealth, and NATO.
Which keywords define this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Global Britain, bilateral relations, economic diplomacy, multilateralism, and strategic security partnerships.
How does Brexit impact British foreign policy according to the document?
Brexit acts as the catalyst for a national identity crisis and the subsequent emergence of the "Global Britain" vision, forcing a re-evaluation of how the UK engages with international partners outside of the EU framework.
What significance does the AUKUS pact hold for the UK?
AUKUS is presented as a crucial asset for extending British reach and influence into the Indo-Pacific theatre, reflecting the government's ambition to modernize security cooperation and adapt to a multipolar world.
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- Student Ihor Yeremenko (Autor:in), 2022, Foreign Policy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the current stage, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1303565
