British Public Opinion on Foreign and Defence Policy

British Public Opinion on Foreign and Defence Policy provides a long-term perspective on the opinions of the British public regarding foreign and defence policy in the post-war era. Thematically wide-ranging, it examines the broader role of foreign and defence policy in British politics and elections, public opinion towards Britain’s key international relationships and alliances, including the United States, NATO, the EU, and the Commonwealth. The book also explores public opinion on the projection of ‘soft power’ (overseas aid) and ‘hard power’ (defence spending, nuclear weapons, and military intervention).

By assessing the main areas of change and continuity in the public’s views, the book pays close attention to societal dividing lines over foreign and defence policy. It analyses an extensive range of surveys and opinion polls while placing the analysis within the broader context of Britain’s evolving foreign policy role and priorities in the post-war era. It further links public opinion with the politics of British external policy, addressing the post-war consensus on Britain’s overseas role, historical and contemporary areas of inter-party debate, and persistent intra-party divides.

This text will be of key interest to scholars and students of British politics, European politics, foreign policy analysis, public opinion, defence and security studies, and to those engaged in comparative politics and international relations.