Current problems of Europe

«To punch above its weight in the world»: The United Kingdom in armed conflicts of the XXI century

Ковалев И.Г.

Kovalev I.G. – Sc.D. in history, professor, School of international affairs, Faculty of world economy and international affairs, National research university «Higher school of economics»; first deputy dean, Faculty of world economy and international affairs, National research university «Higher school of economics».

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of the UK strategy and national security priorities in early XXIst century. The author considers the specificity of the involvement of the British armed forces in modern regional and local conflicts, explores the ideological framework and foreign policy priorities of the conservative and labour governments. Reasons and factors influencing transformation of policy in the process of development and application of adequate tools of response to new challenges and threats are determined.

Keywords

The United Kingdom, armed conflict, foreign policy strategy, national security, Conservative party, Labour party.

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