38. BRITAIN PIVOTS TO THE INDO-PACIFIC- WHY ASIA MATTERS

The British are coming back to Indo-Pacific, but when did they leave?

Today, Britain is not entirely a European power. Neither it is a global power. It is as if Great Britain is caught between two worlds. Britain’s decision to leave the European Union doesn’t necessarily mean a withdrawal from global affairs. In fact, Britain wants to play a dominant role in the international arena. It has been discussed that Brexit will only enhance Britain’s influence on the global stage. However, the country is dealing with a lot of issues today including the Brexit debate, the European refugee problem, a rising Russian aggression along with the crisis in the Middle East. Amidst these confusions, Britain has repeatedly used the term ‘Global Britain’ to refer to Britain’s ambitious and optimistic role in the world after Brexit. This foreign policy idea was introduced by British Prime Minister Theresa May and Ex-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson in 2016 and promises to counter fears that Britain would become inward looking after the Brexit vote. But the term has not been clearly defined, and hence it is not clear how a Global Britain is likely to change the dynamics of international relations.

Nevertheless, it is clear that maintaining a strong influence in the Indo-Pacific is the key to make Global Britain successful. Asian markets and Asian free trade agreements are very important for Britain’s prosperity post Brexit. Britain is in need of non-EU partners and it is in the process of carving out new trade relationships. While it is not true if Indo-Pacific is the way by which Britain can regain its global posture it held hundreds of years ago, Indo-Pacific definitely offers both challenges and opportunities for the country. Britain has a proud and ancient maritime history, colonial inheritance and maritime legacy, and with its capacity and capability, it will maintain its maritime influence in the Indo-Pacific. As such, ‘ Britain must go to Asia, and it must go by sea’. Are the British targeting Indo-Pacific as its first test of Global Britain Strategy?

Source: Policy Forum