The Realities Behind Diplomacy: Background Influences on British External Policy 1865-1980 - Tapa blanda

In 1865, when Palmerston died, the small group of islands that is Great Britain constituted the leading nation in the world affairs. A century later, Britain had been devastatingly cut down to size: economically, militarily, territorially, it is today less than a second-rate power.

In his highly original analysis of the factors that brought about this decline, Paul Kennedy explores the relationship between Britain's industrial and financial position and its foreign policy: the changing domestic scene and its impact upon diplomats and statesmen, the influence of party politics, personal rivalries, pressure groups and newspapers upon external affairs; the ideological debate over Imperial Federation, the League of Nations, pacificism, appeasement, anti-communism, the Common Market; the role of foreign secretaries, the monarchy, the dominions, defence experts, Cabinet committees, economists.

His interpretation of the forces that have influenced British external policy over the last century represents a new approach to the study of diplomatic history, and gives a fresh perspective on Britain's present place in the world.

"For the general reader with an interest in British foreign policy, Paul Kennedy has written the perfect book."
POLITICAL QUARTERLY

"He has written a lucid, sympathetic and stimulating study... a masterful overview which can only demand respect and admiration."
HISTORY

"... his book poses the right questions and deserves in consequence the widest possible readership."
LORD BELOFF

By the author of 'The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers' and 'Strategy and Diplomacy' (both available in Fontana Press).

Paul Kennedy is Professor of History and Director of International Security Studies at Yale University and author of the international best-sellers, ‘The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers’ and ‘‘Preparing for the Twenty-First Century’.