Report

Middle powerhouse: A new blueprint for British internationalism

This report from UK think tank the European Council on Foreign Relations argues that the UK’s policy on cooperation needs to be updated for a radically changed global context.

The paper, ‘Middle powerhouse: A new blueprint for British internationalism’ argues that the UK’s policy on cooperation needs to be updated for a radically changed global context. Instead of trying to preserve or restore a rules-based order, Britain should embrace innovation in international partnerships. The paper sets out a three-part agenda for a more creative internationalism: the UK should develop new forms of partnership with like-minded allies, above all the EU and its member states, to promote security and resist coercion; it should embrace initiatives with middle and emerging powers to address global problems that affect the UK and partners alike; and it should work to improve the effectiveness of the multilateral system by improving its focus, while recognising the limits to politically contentious reforms.