Constraints and Adjustments in British Foreign Policy (Routledge Revivals)

This book, first published in 1972, offers a detailed analysis of the post-war formulation of foreign policy, as Britain sought to detach itself from its imperialist past and moved towards a European future. The contributors - all experts in their fields - together provide a comprehensive commentary on the complexities of the external pressures that moulded British foreign policy during these years. The subjects covered highlight the dichotomy of, and interaction between, residual obligations and new goals and national aspirations. These include the examination of past policies regarding the Commonwealth, South-East Asia, NATO, and the 'special relationship' with the U.S.A., as well as multi-national companies and Britain's place in the changing global society. This reissue will of particular interest to students and academics researching the history of British foreign policy, international diplomacy and development, and post colonialism.

Michael Leifer

Introduction; 1. The Contemporary Relevance of National Sovereignty Alan James 2. British Foreign Policy Since 1945: the Long Odyssey to Europe Geoffrey Goodwin 3. The European Communities: Political Unity and British Interests David Coombes and Avi Shlaim 4. Britain's Defence Policy and NATO Stephen Kirby 5. Retreat and Reappraisal in South-East Asia Michael Leifer 6. The 'Special Relationship' Coral Bell 7. Britain and the Commonwealth Peter Lyon 8. A Failure of Foreign Policy: the Case of Rhodesia John Day 9. Constraints on Economic Sovereignty John Williamson 10. Multi-national Companies and the British Economy Louis Turner 11. Britain's Place in the Changing World F. S. Northedge; Index