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The UK global role
Britain is an island nation whose role in the world has, for centuries, been global. They recognise that what happens beyond their borders can have a dramatic impact on their citizens and national interests.
Britain's economy is the sixth largest in the world - but per head, incomes are far lower than in other countries such as Germany or Japan. And yet, Britain continues to play a larger role than either of those countries, both militarily and diplomatically.
During the last decade, British troops have been deployed in various policing and peace-keeping roles across the world.
*In 1991, 45,000 British forces personnel were sent to join American forces in the Gulf War.
*In 1994 around 3,000 British troops joined UN forces in Bosnia.
*In 1999, 13,000 British troops went to Kosovo - the largest single national contribution to the United Nations peace-keeping force, KFOR.
*In 2000: 800 British paratroops were sent to the West African state of Sierra Leone, to evacuate British citizens and help UN peace-keepers secure the airport.
*In August 2001, British troops were again deployed for peace-keeping duties: this time in Macedonia.
*And, just before Christmas 2001, one and a half thousand British troops were deployed to Afghanistan, to lead the international peace-keeping force there in the wake of the defeat of the Taleban.
Britain's unique ability to act as a bridge between Europe and America, and between East and West, came into its own in 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks on America.
The United Kingdom occupies a unique position in global affairs. It is the only state which is a member of the G8, the EU, NATO, and the Commonwealth, and is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The UK is also a member of the OSCE and Council of Europe.
Tony Blair said that Britain should play a bridging role between Europe and the US. “British foreign policy has tried to punch above its weight for the past half-century, while balancing between different sets of international allegiances” (William Wallace).
Blair doesn’t call Britain a great power but a pivotal player and it could be argued that it is certainly a major power in world events with its 6th largest world economy, highly trained armed forces and extensive diplomatic links.
“The United Kingdom occupies a unique position in global affairs. It is the only state which is a member of the G8, the EU, NATO and the Commonwealth and it is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The UK is also a member of the OSCE and Council of Europe” (FCO Website)
Much of Britain’s influence today can be traced back to WW2. Following the end of the war the UN came into being in October 1945, and with it, as one of the victorious allies Britain was given its seat as a permanent member of the Security Council.
This gives Britain a permanent voice at the centre of the UN’s decision-making and a permanent veto over any policy it doesn’t like
Britain was also a founding member of NATO, the G8 and OSCE
According to Dean Acheson Britain has “lost an empire and not yet found a role”
The UK is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a member of NATO, the Commonwealth of Nations, G7, G8, G20, the OECD, the WTO, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and is a member state of the European Union. The UK is said to have a "Special Relationship" with the United States[183][184] and a close partnership with France—the "Entente cordiale"—and shares nuclear weapons technology with both countries. The UK is also closely linked with the Republic of Ireland; the two countries share a Common Travel Area.[185] Britain's global presence and influence is further amplified through its trading relations, foreign investments, official development assistance and military engagements.
The United Kingdom has the fourth-highest military expenditure in the world. Total defence spending currently accounts for around 2.3% – 2.6% of total national GDP.