British Foreign Policy

Originally published in 1962, this book discusses Britain’s role in the world from the Second World War to the decision to apply for membership of the European Economic Community in 1961. These sixteen years form a distinct epoch, marking Britian’s transition from worldwide Imperial status to that of an essentially European country. The book examines the accompanying process of readjustment and considers how well the British people and their governments faced it. The course of British policy is reviewed in such issues as the impact of reduced status on traditional national interests, the effect of economic strains, the development of the Anglo-American partnership, British defence and disarmament policies, the challenge of the new Asian and African nationalism and British contributions to the settlement of East-West problems. The focus of the book is on the external problems confronting British Ministers and what has shaped their reactions. At the same time, the broader aspects of policy are brought into view, including the force of public opinion and the influence of such international organisations as NATO and the UN.