According to Monacle, no other country comes close to Britian’s influence around the world. This is the first time that the U.S. has been dethroned under Monacle’s survey.
As Monacle wrote, the Olympic opening ceremony highlighted British achievements and influences over the world; more importantly, it presented how we helped to create the modern world. Probably the greatest achievement was (fundamental to our current influence) was ensuring the United States continued the principles and values of Great Britain. Controversially, the continuity of British foreign policy was maintained by the United States; significantly in the Middle East.
As the United States and Europe start to decline, Britain continues the historical policy of ensuring the “new powers” are very much on friendly terms with London. When China started to expand economic investment and activities in Africa, it personally sought out the British; it wanted the ‘old colonial master’ to oversee contracts, to ensure China did not repeat the mistakes of imperial Britain.
Egypt, Qatar, U.A.E and Turkey have been increasing diplomatic and economic ties since the start of the Arab Spring. During the Libyan conflict, the Arab League contacted London more times than Washington. This led to The Telegraph sarcastically describing Cameron as the true leader of the free world.
As for India, Britain is building a ‘new special relationship’ with the former colony. Whether or not Indians want the close partnership, due to the past, remains to be seen. Yet, it is another example of how Britain remains influential: we form coalitions, get what we want, then end them. We’ve been doing it for nearly a 1,000 years.
To conclude, we should not be surprised by this survey; Britain has quietly been constructing a softer and more seductive agenda post-Blair.
danielfurr
