Briefings
We provide expert advice and analysis on the latest foreign policy developments.
The New Diplomacy Project publishes regular briefings that provide both detailed background and specific policy recommendations. These briefings are written by members of the executive committee alongside our network of researchers and policy specialists. Every paper is reviewed by external subject-matter experts. The views contained in them are those of the authors, not the New Diplomacy Project, our parliamentary supporters, or our advisory council.
A New Global Compact to Defend the International Rules-Based System
The international-rules based system is being challenged by authoritarian states. On taking power, Labour should host a summit for democratic countries to launch a new global compact in the form of an informal agreement amongst countries that will commit countries to upholding and defending the international-rules based system.
What Would a Serious Africa Policy Look Like for the UK?
The UK’s relationship with Africa has historically been one of exploitation, extraction, condescension, and inequity since the beginning of the colonial period. UK progressives should take the radical step of centring African relations in British foreign policy and develop a policy platform built on significant mutually-beneficial investment and genuine, equitable economic and geopolitical partnership, rather than purely aid.
The Foreign Policy Implications of Sterling’s Weakness
The government’s disastrous ‘mini-budget’ has exposed the precarity of sterling’s position as an international currency, and its steady decline in recent months carries important implications for Britain’s role in the world. In this briefing, Joshua Bailey, a former civil servant with expertise in economic and national security policy, considers the short and longer-term consequences of sterling’s weakness for British foreign policy.
Standing with Ukraine: Labour’s Continued Response to Russia’s Invasion
Seven months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, international politics has been radically transformed. This policy paper draws together four contributions from subject-matter experts on different aspects of the conflict and British policy. It looks beyond the day-to-day events to consider the world that will come after the conflict and how Britain can navigate that.
Floods in Pakistan
Recent flash flooding in Pakistan has left a third of the country underwater, resulting in more than 1,100 casualties and causing an estimated $10 billion worth of damage. The aftermath of the ‘monster monsoon’ has swept away lives, homes, crops and bridges, with 33 million people impacted, and vast areas cut off from supplies and power. Britain and the international community need to respond, and the Labour Party should hold the government accountable for the inadequacy of its response so far.
Trips to Taiwan: Learning the Lessons from Pelosi’s Visit
In the wake of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan, and the retaliatory action taken by China, the consequences of trips by Western politicians to Taiwan are in focus. This briefing considers British policy on the question and how Members of Parliament should approach the matter.
Designing Britain’s Future-Oriented Space Strategy
Emerging and future space activities are rendering outer space increasingly important for long-term security and economic prosperity. As competition between the United States and China intensifies in that domain, Britain will need its own strategy.
A Progressive Vision for the Commonwealth
This is an important moment for the future of the Commonwealth and Britain’s relations with its fellow member states. This paper considers the potential future of the organisation and the Labour Party’s policy towards it.
The UK and the Future of NATO
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted a renewed discussion on the nature of transatlantic security, and the upcoming publication of the 2030 NATO Strategic Concept will mark an important moment for the Alliance. In this briefing, an NDP contributor examines the debate surrounding the future of NATO and offers analysis and guidance for Labour MPs on how they can engage with the British policy towards NATO and its strategy regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Biden’s China Strategy
On May 26 2022, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken delivered an important speech on the US strategy toward China. In this rapid response briefing, NDP Policy Advisor Angus Reilly summarises and analyses the speech.
Pitch a briefing
Are there particular foreign policy issues that you think we should be focusing on? Let us know!