Foreign Policy watershed: In or out of the EU Britain faces major changes in

The report points out that the onset of the digital age has disrupted the international order – and consequently the priorities and conduct of British foreign policy. The world has moved into an era of extensive upheaval and change, as evidenced by the rise of nationalism, populism and protectionism, the prevalence of identity politics, the severe erosion of the rules-based international order—which has staved off world conflict—the shifting global balance of power, the changing nature of conflict and the mass movement of peoples. 

 
Examining the roots of these trends the report identifies the impact of the spread of new technologies and digital communications tools on international relations, and assesses the widespread implications for the UK's security, prosperity and global influence. 

The report emphasises that while Brexit adds additional complexities to the situation these deep changes have developed over recent decades and have consequences well beyond the European scene.

Major shifts in the global order to which British foreign policy and diplomacy has now to respond include:

• Alterations in the UK's ‘bedrock' relationship with the US – The US Administration has taken a number of decisions on high-profile foreign policy issues, such as the Iran nuclear deal and trade policy, which undermine the UK's interests. The UK has struggled to influence the US, and will need to place less reliance on reaching a common US/UK approach to major foreign policy challenges. 
• The expansion of China's power and influence across the world – The UK should work closely with China to address global challenges, while ensuring this is consistent with international humanitarian law.
• The need to defend and repair the rules-based international order – The UK should be a vocal champion of key institutions particularly the UN, the WTO and NATO, in the face of challenges from countries including Russia and the US. Maintaining the rules-based international order should be a central theme of UK foreign policy, as well as engaging closely with newly established networks and institutions, particularly those set up by China.
• New policies and initiatives to handle cyber security, cyber warfare and new types of aggression - New technologies mean that significant harm can be done to a nation without the use of traditional weaponry. Cyber warfare is an increasingly significant global challenge, and one in which the UK can be a strong player. The Committee recommends the designation of a Minister with responsibility for cyber issues across Whitehall. 
• A revised policy to meet Russia's constant provocations, but also maintain dialogue and cooperation on certain fronts - In the face of provocations, the UK must remain open to dialogue while and seeking to counter and deter its hostile activities.
• Strengthen and deploy more effectively Britain's considerable soft power assets, woven together with a high efficiency hard power capability.
• Expand new ‘deep and special' links with a fast-changing and challenged European neighbourhood.
• Stronger engagement with networks in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and in particular with the modern and evolving Commonwealth network. 
• Invest more in Britain's diplomatic capacities by re-balancing current resource patterns and ensuring much closer coordination between the internationally focused departments.
• Develop and communicate a strong narrative on foreign policy and on national purpose and direction. The Government should engage with the public on the demands and parameters of UK foreign policy. The National Security Council should add to its tasks the co-ordination of the Government on this domestic narrative.
  

Chairman of the House of Lords International Relations Committee Lord Howell of Guildford, said: “International affairs are in a state of upheaval, and the re-shaping and conduct of British foreign policy must respond. After a year of taking evidence from our expert witnesses we conclude that, while welcoming existing efforts to adapt, a new strategic approach and vision are both needed, led from the centre of government. 
 
“The most powerful common influence, fuelling much of this worldwide change, is the on-going revolution in communications technology, connecting and empowering peoples, interests, causes and groups on a scale never before known.
 
“To address this new world, and enhance the UK's influence, a more agile, active and flexible approach to foreign policy must now be developed. We hope that the Government listens to our concerns and that this report forms part of a constructive debate about which new paths the UK should take.”