Britain has been a significant voice in global politics in the lasttwo decades and its impact on world events far outweighs itsmaterial resources. But how does a small island on the edge of Europe continue to exercise this level of power on an internationalscale? What kind of actor is Britain internationally? And whatfuture challenges will confront British foreign policymakers in amulti-polar world of emerging powers?

In this comprehensive introduction to British foreign policy todayJamie Gaskarth addresses these and other key questions. Against arich historical backdrop, he examines the main actors and processesinvolved in British foreign policy-making as well as the roleplayed by identity in shaping such choices. Later chapters focus onthe relationship between economics and foreign policy, what itmeans to be ethical in this policy sphere, and the justificationfor and benefits of the UK's continued use of force toachieve its foreign policy goals.

Combining interview research, theoretical insight and analysis ofcontemporary and historical trends, this book charts how Britishforeign policy has come to be understood and practised in the 21stCentury. It will be an invaluable guide for students of Britishpolitics, foreign policy, international relations and relatedcourses.