The diplomacy of ‘Global Britain’: settling, safeguarding and seeking status

Abstract

Brexit has induced a diplomatic reorientation on the part of the UK. In the post-referendum period, the UK has sought both to re-make its relationship with Europe (mainly through negotiating a position as a third country to the EU) and to reset its broader foreign and security policy objectives beyond Europe. This article explores how this has been pursued through the reinforcement of Britain’s identity, role and status as a Euro-Atlantic power, alongside a ‘plurilateral’ approach that has emphasised partnerships and foreign policy issues within and beyond Europe. Through an examination of the UK’s developing relationship with the EU and role in the United Nations and the Commonwealth, the article explores how the UK Government has sought to project British influence and to preserve the UK’s status as an international actor of note.