Defence spending controversy aside, the UK cannot turn up to NATO empty-handed
Labour psychodrama is simply not as important as the UK’s diplomatic commitment to its NATO allies.
Category Archives: Diplomacy
King Charles: The real ‘special ingredient’ in our relationship with the USA
King Charles’s address to Congress was designed to steady a strained special relationship. Twelve standing ovations later, the Palace had given Downing Street something politics could not: a rare bipartisan moment in Washington and a reminder that royal soft power still has diplomatic bite.
Davos 2026 in the Age of Power Politics
Davos is meant to be the place where the global public affairs class can compress a year of stakeholder management into five days, with a badge, a diary, and a blizzard outside. In 2026 it is also where the public language of cooperation collides with the private mechanics of leverage.
Gaza and the art of the deal
Trump secures ceasefire through dealmakers, but long term peace remains uncertain
UK government signs £8 billion Typhoon deal with Turkey
The UK has signed an £8 billion deal to sell 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, assembled by BAE Systems in Lancashire.
Why Trump was right to increase sanctions on Russia
President Trump’s new oil sanctions on Russia mark a sharp turn in US policy toward the war in Ukraine.
Lecornu scrambles to build government as France faces budget showdown
Reappointed French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled his second cabinet and must deliver the 2026 budget within days. With opposition parties preparing a no-confidence motion and markets showing unease, his government faces a test of survival that could decide the fate of Macron’s presidency and France’s fiscal stability.
Trump’s UK state visit delivers record business pledges alongside managed diplomacy
Donald Trump’s UK state visit yielded £150 billion in US investment promises across tech, energy and manufacturing sectors. The Tech Prosperity Deal centred on AI and nuclear cooperation. The visit was largely scripted, with the government highlighting economic benefits amid protests and broader geopolitical concerns.
South Korean president travels to Washington with business chiefs ahead of summit
President Lee Jae Myung begins a visit to Washington on 23 August with fifteen senior executives from South Korea’s largest companies. The trip comes ahead of his 25 August summit with President Trump and will address trade, investment pledges, energy purchases and defence cost-sharing between the two countries.
Trump and Putin to meet in Alaska over Ukraine war
Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15 August to discuss ending the Ukraine war, including potential territorial swaps. Ukraine and European leaders reject any agreement involving land concessions and insist Kyiv must be part of negotiations. Preparations are under way amid increased diplomatic activity and heightened military vigilance.
OECD Cuts Global Growth Forecast as Trade Tensions Rise
The OECD has lowered its global GDP forecast to 2.9% for both 2025 and 2026, citing U.S. tariffs and weakening investment. Growth estimates for the U.S., UK, and China were revised downward, while inflation remains high. India remains strong, but global trade and fiscal flexibility remain under pressure.
Court blocks Trump tariffs, testing limits of trade authority
A U.S. federal court has struck down President Trump’s global tariffs, ruling they exceed the limits of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The administration has appealed, insisting trade talks remain on track. The ruling affects Executive Order 14257 but leaves other trade measures intact, pending further judicial review.
Tariffs Threaten Spanish Hat Exports to US Orthodox Market
Spanish hatmaker Fernández y Roche faces a 10 per cent US import tariff, jeopardising its 40-year trade with Orthodox Jewish communities. With a 50 per cent duty possible by July, Spain has launched a €14.1 billion support plan while EU–US trade talks continue.
High Court Halts UK-Mauritius Deal Over Chagos Islands Amid Legal Challenge
A High Court injunction has blocked the UK from finalising a sovereignty deal to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The legal challenge, filed by a Chagossian-born British citizen, raises concerns over lack of consultation. The planned deal would retain the UK-US base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
All the Ambassador’s Men
Trump’s Catholic allies are exerting growing influence in Rome as a new conclave approaches. Backed by wealthy donors and political operatives, they are campaigning for a more traditional pope. Central figures include Brian Burch and Steve Cortes, who see Trump’s return as key to reshaping US–Vatican relations and global Catholic leadership.
Index Launch: Countries With The Most Effective Anti-Smoking Policies
The “Effective Anti-smoking Policies” Index analyses public policies aimed to eradicate smoking, in 59 countries
The Helm Review: Flop26
Mace hears from economist and climate expert Professor Dieter Helm on his assessment of Cop26
The Ambassador: Markus Leitner
The Swiss Ambassador on how regular referenda and a devolved government embeds Switzerland’s politics with accountability and rooted decisionmaking
Magic mountain
Why reports of the death of Davos Man are exaggerated
A strategy for nations’ best interests
True strategic autonomy will do much to strengthen the global economy for the EU and its allies
Europe’s Embattled Progressives
Europe took a decidedly neoliberal shift thirty years ago, but centre-left moderates still view the union as a beacon of progressivism
Dressing down
Sir Lindsay Hoyle is on a mission to sharpen MPs’ dress sense, but will clothes alone inspire better behaviour?
Diplomat from Down Under: George Brandis
Australia’s top envoy in London reflects on moving from politics to diplomacy and on the deep historical ties that bind his country with the United Kingdom.