Abstract: From British perspective, the defining characteristic of the new global environment is the emergence of a “networked” world and the shift of economic power away from the West towards the East. To adapt to the changing world and to revive the economy, the Coalition government asserts a “distinctive” British foreign policy, which includes paying more attention to the countries beyond America and Europe, emphasising the importance of bilateral relations with emerging markets in Asia, the Gulf and Latin America, making an all-out effort to promote the commercial diplomacy, upholding of British values, and trying to play a more active role in the global arena. The UK government relocates its limited resources to enhance its diplomatic presence in the world in the context of austerity. Meanwhile, the government streamlines the decision-making mechanism and the FCO has become a powerful centre of foreign policy decision-making.

Key Words: British foreign policy; “Networked” world; Relations with emerging powers; Commercial diplomacy; Foreign policy decision-making mechanism

Reviewing the UK Coalition Government’s Foreign Policy (Qu Bing).pdf