Abstract: Britain is facing its most challenging foreign policy crisis since the Second World War after voting to leave the European Union. Divorcing Brussels would always be a major step, but is now even more so, as no British leader has yet to articulate a clear vision and strategy for the future. Whether the Britain will become a shrinking and inward-facing island or an outward-looking global trading engine, fighting fit at the top table of international politics, remains unclear. Laden with this burden, it appears that it will be some time before Britain will take the initiative in the Middle East once again. In all likelihood the new government will maintain a “business as usual” approach, but with little enthusiasm for any major commitments or initiatives. The EU itself is likely to continue to be self-absorbed as it struggles to hold itself together.
About the Author:
Chris Doyle is the Director of the Council for Arab-
British Understand, an NGO based in London.
He is an expert on the Middle East and a frequent
commentator on British and Middle Eastern politics
in the media.