This is a detailed, single volume analysis of Britain's changing position in the world during the twentieth century. It places British policy making in the appropriate domestic and international contexts, offers an alternative to the more negative, 'decline'-obsessed assessments of Britain's role and influence in global affairs. This book suggests that Britain's leaders did a better job than some historians think. Michael Turner, in order to understand why they took the options they did, investigates their motives and aims within the international environment within which they operated.
MICHAEL J. TURNER is Roy Carroll Distinguished Professor of British History at Appalachian State University, USA.
Introduction1.The era of the two world wars2. Post-war adjustments3. Asia, Middle East, Europe - No Respite I4. Defence and Diplomacy5. East of Eden6. Finding a role?7. Losing a role?8. Asia, Middle East, Europe - No Respite II9. Years of frustration10. Towards a new orderConclusion
An excellent account of the problems that Britain experienced in adjusting and adapting to its decline as a world power in the second half of the 20th century.