Twilight of the British Empire

Chikara Hashimoto (1975 2016) wais Assistant Professor in International Relations at the University of Sharjah, UAE.

• List of Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Fighting the ‘Communist Menace’ Overseas; 2. Security Training and Liaison in Anti-Communist Measures; 3. The Defence of the Realm in the Middle East; 4. Prerequisites of Intelligence Cooperation; 5. Conflicting Interests in Anti-Communist Measures; 6. The Use and Abuse of State Power and the Limits of British Influence; Conclusion. The Twilight of the British Empire in the Middle East; Appendix.

The Twilight of the British Empire is an outstanding piece of historical research, reflecting Hashimoto’s diligence and prowess as a scholar ... [It] has enduring relevance for more recent history, not least with the dangers of major powers viewing the complexities of regional politics through their own ideological lenses (as was often the case, for example, during the Cold War and in the post-2001 War on Terror). The Twilight of the British Empire demonstrates the ethical and political pitfalls of aligning with police states. Further, it underlines the danger of overlooking the fact that certain political beliefs, which may be anathema to Western societies, are often seen elsewhere as a means of liberation from corrupt and despotic regimes.