Tom Stevenson and Iona Craig discuss the challenges facing the next foreign secretary in the UK, from Gaza to a possible Trump presidency. They question Labour's promise of 'Blair without the Iraq War' and how it may impact UK's foreign policy. The podcast explores global power shifts, Britain's role in the Middle East, and the complexities of implementing an ethical foreign policy.
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Quick takeaways
Labour manifesto lacks foreign policy focus, while Tories prioritize security globally.
Britain faces challenges in transitioning to an ethical foreign policy due to historical ties.
Rising global threats and power shifts necessitate caution in US-China relations to avoid conflict.
Deep dives
Issues in UK Election Manifestos
The Conservative manifesto prioritizes security in response to global threats, while the Labour manifesto lacks focus on foreign policy. Despite the emphasis on security in the campaigns, issues of foreign policy are largely absent.
Ethical Foreign Policy Challenges
The discussion raises questions about whether Britain can shift towards an ethical foreign policy, considering its historical colonial baggage and ties to allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE despite their human rights records. There is skepticism concerning a significant shift towards ethical foreign policy.
Global Geopolitical Shifts
Changes in the global order, including China's rise, present challenges for traditional Western powers like Britain and the US. The podcast highlights potential global flashpoints and concerns about US-China competition and overstretching resources in conflicts.
Implications of US-China Policy
There is a growing hawkish stance towards China in US foreign policy circles, raising the prospect of a future conflict. UK's potential role in supporting US-China confrontation and implications of stretched resources across multiple global conflicts.
Campaign Challenges and Relief
The upcoming UK election provides a sense of relief, signaling the end of a challenging election cycle. Optimism remains limited, with relief mainly surrounding the conclusion of the ongoing campaign and hope for domestic issues like the NHS.
‘The world is growing more dangerous’ warns the Conservative manifesto, which puts security at the heart of its pitch. The Labour manifesto, on the other hand, doesn’t mention the world beyond the UK at all in its five ‘missions’. Are the Tories simply being honest with voters, or trying to distract from their domestic record? In this episode, James Butler is joined by Tom Stevenson and Iona Craig to discuss the challenges facing the next foreign secretary, from Gaza to the pressures of a possible Trump presidency. Labour’s current approach seems to promise ‘Blair without the Iraq War’, but how far will this allow UK foreign policy to depart from its normal attitude of subservience to the United States?