Brexit at 10: UK Foreign Policy in a Changing World

The UK's decision to leave the EU was made in a context of heightened global tensions, with Russia's invasion of Crimea and Donbas in 2014 marking a significant turning point. This was followed by China's publication of its Made in China 2025 strategy, which outlined the country's plans to dominate global supply chains in key 21st-century technologies by 2049. The election of Donald Trump in 2016 also marked a significant shift, as it heralded the end of a 70-year period in which European democracies could rely on the US for defense.

Key facts about the UK's foreign policy since Brexit include its continued alignment with European neighbors on key issues, despite the rhetoric of "Global Britain". The UK has maintained close relationships with European countries, including France and Germany, and has worked together to address common challenges such as Russia's aggression and climate change. The UK has also taken a lead role in supporting Ukraine and has been a strong advocate for European defense and security.

What these developments mean is that the UK's foreign policy has become increasingly focused on building relationships with European neighbors, while also navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape. The UK's decision to leave the EU has not prevented cooperation with European countries, but it has required the UK to work harder to build and maintain these relationships. As the UK looks to the future, it will need to balance its desire for independence with the need for cooperation and collaboration on key global issues.

Looking ahead, the UK's foreign policy will likely continue to be shaped by its relationships with European neighbors and its response to rising global tensions. With the UK's departure from the EU still a relatively recent development, it remains to be seen how the country's foreign policy will evolve in the years to come. What to watch next is how the UK navigates its relationships with key global players, including the US, China, and Russia, and how it balances its own interests with the need for cooperation and collaboration on key global issues.