UK foreign policy in changed world conditions – how to equip and prepare the UK for the 21st Century?
The House of Lords International Relations Committee has today launched an inquiry looking at key UK foreign policy issues in the radically changed world scene of the 21st Century. With rising Asia, question marks over American policy, Middle East chaos, change in Europe and new global threats coming to our doorsteps, what is Britain's position and direction in the new turbulence? How should we be best equipped to develop the new strategies to safeguard our security and prosperity in an era of digital networks, new communications technologies and shifting power relationships?
The challenges and uncertainties facing international relations in the 21st Century are immense, fast-moving and constantly changing. Digital technologies, and new networks are having a major impact on geopolitics, emerging global powers are increasingly asserting themselves, and post-War multilateral institutions are struggling to be effective. The UK, along with other leading nations, must reconsider its global roles and priorities and look at how to fulfil them effectively in unfamiliar and volatile conditions. The inquiry will look beyond Brexit and focus on three key areas. In each area it will examine how the UK should best respond to the challenges and opportunities they present, and to re-positon itself accordingly:
- Adapting the full range of national resources and organizational capacities to the demands of the new global conditions
- Re-shaping old alliances and building new partnerships
- Cooperating in the reform of existing world institutions and networks, and the building of new ones
House of Lords International Relations Committee Chairman, Lord Howell of Guildford, said:
“To maintain influence, work towards global stability, promote and protect our interests, and keep up with modern technology the UK needs to maintain an agile and innovative approach to its international connections and relations . The Committee has launched this inquiry to examine and assess how the UK can best meet the demands which the 21st century world has placed upon it.
“We are keen to hear from anyone with expertise or experience in foreign policy reform and the new challenges of international relations, and urge you to get in touch.”
The deadline for written submissions is 22 February 2018. Details on how to submit evidence can be found here.
