The “Global Britain” concept, formulated after the 2016 referendum, reflected London’s ambition to become an independent global player outside of European structures. The strategy focused on strengthening ties with the Commonwealth, expanding trade agreements with fast-growing Asian economies, and strengthening its role in international organizations, from the UN to the G7. However, implementing the concept has faced challenges: limited financial resources following the pandemic, the need to balance relations with the US and China, and continued dependence on European security in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
\nThe relationship with the US remains a “special relationship,” but its nature is evolving. The UK was one of the first allies to provide military aid to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022, delivering over \u00a34.6 billion in arms by 2025\u2014more per capita than any other NATO country. Intelligence cooperation through the Five Eyes remains a cornerstone of security. However, differences in approach have manifested themselves in trade (disputes over steel and aluminum tariffs under the Trump administration) and in attitudes toward China: the British government is gradually limiting the participation of Chinese companies in critical infrastructure, including removing Huawei equipment from the 5G network by 2027.
\nA strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific region has become a key element of foreign policy. The UK’s entry into the CPTPP Pacific Partnership in 2023 symbolized a commitment to diversifying trade ties. Participation in the AUKUS group (with Australia and the US) for the development of nuclear-powered submarines demonstrated a willingness to make long-term defense commitments in the region. However, critics point to the limited military capabilities for a permanent presence in the Pacific and dependence on logistical support from the US and Australia.<\/p>\n
\nRelations with China have shifted from the “golden decade” of David Cameron to strategic rivalry. Following China’s designation of Xinjiang as genocide in 2021 (a stance the government later softened for diplomatic reasons), bilateral relations have cooled. Chinese companies’ investments in British infrastructure\u2014from the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station to the Port of Felixstowe\u2014were reviewed under the National Security and Investment Act 2021. Nevertheless, China remains an important trading partner: bilateral trade is expected to reach \u00a3110 billion in 2024, particularly in education (Chinese students account for 32% of international students at British universities).
\nThe Commonwealth has gained renewed importance as a platform for diplomacy and trade. The 2022 Commonwealth Summit in Kigali strengthened ties with African countries on climate and security issues. The Commonwealth Youth Mobility Scheme has simplified temporary work visas for Commonwealth citizens aged 18\u201330. However, the UK’s influence in the Commonwealth is limited: many countries, including India and South Africa, pursue a multi-vector foreign policy and are not willing to automatically support British initiatives at the UN.
\nParticipation in international organizations remains a priority. The UK retained its permanent membership of the UN Security Council and continues to play a leading role in climate negotiations following COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. However, financial commitments are declining: in 2021, the government reduced its official development assistance (ODA) from 0.7% to 0.5% of GNI, sparking criticism from human rights organizations. By 2025, aid levels will gradually return to 0.58%, but a full return to previous levels is unlikely given the budget deficit. Middle East policy balances support for Israel with the need to consider the interests of the UK’s 3.9 million Muslim population. Following the 2023\u20132024 Gaza War, the government faced mass protests and pressure from the Labour opposition to suspend arms sales to Israel. In 2024, the UK High Court ruled that arms exports must comply with international humanitarian law, leading to the suspension of some licenses. At the same time, the UK is strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE in energy and defense contracts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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