Intelligence Squared Britain Alone: From Suez to Brexit, with Philip Stephens and Mark Mardell
Feb 12, 2021
Mark Mardell, former BBC Europe editor, joins Philip Stephens, Financial Times political commentator. They dive into Britain's struggle with its waning global power, covering the historical context from the Suez Crisis to Brexit. Key topics include the complexities of foreign policy, the challenges of rejoining the EU, and how national identity is evolving. They also discuss Britain's nuclear deterrent and the ongoing debates over military strategy, all while reassessing the notion of 'global Britain' in a rapidly changing world.
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Britain's Post-Imperial Identity Crisis
- Britain's struggle with its post-imperial identity is a recurring theme.
- Suez Crisis and Brexit are pivotal moments in this struggle.
Churchill's "Original Sin"
- Churchill's unwillingness to accept Britain's diminished role is his "original sin."
- This stubbornness hindered Britain's adaptation to its reduced global power status.
Overreach and Crisis
- Britain's ambitions have often exceeded its resources, leading to recurring crises.
- This pattern of overreach has been a consistent challenge in British foreign policy.
