The UK Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has called for a revival of the “art of grand strategy” to enhance the country’s influence on the global stage. In a speech outlining his vision for foreign diplomacy, Lammy emphasized the need for the UK to learn from countries like France and the UAE in order to strengthen its overseas relationships.
Lammy praised France’s “hard-headed” economic diplomacy and President Emmanuel Macron’s “WhatsApp diplomacy” as examples for the UK to follow. He also highlighted the dynamic diplomacy approaches of countries like India, Brazil, and the UAE, urging the UK to adapt to changing global dynamics.
The Shadow Foreign Secretary’s focus on international relations comes at a crucial time, with a general election expected later this year. Lammy’s proposed strategy, dubbed “progressive realism,” aims to address global threats such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while promoting cooperation on climate change issues with countries like China.
Lammy criticized the UK government’s handling of foreign and international development policies, citing the merger of diplomatic arms into the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in 2020 as a setback. He also pointed to Brexit, insufficient foreign investment, and cuts in overseas development spending as factors contributing to the UK’s diminished influence on the world stage.
In response to challenges such as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, growing Chinese influence, and the need for global alliances on climate change, Lammy called for a more coherent international strategy. He emphasized the importance of economic relations and proposed the establishment of a “college of diplomacy” to train diplomats in areas like languages and AI.
Lammy’s vision for a revitalized foreign policy includes a focus on fieldwork for foreign office staff, leveraging AI to enhance diplomatic efforts, and creating a “soft power council” to collaborate with arts professionals and academics. These initiatives aim to position the UK as a leader in diplomacy and development, setting a “global gold standard” for international engagement.
As the UK faces increasing competition from rising powers and shifting geopolitical dynamics, Lammy’s call for a strategic realignment of foreign policy reflects a broader effort to restore the country’s influence and relevance in a troubled world. With the promise of a Labour government prioritizing growth and economic diplomacy, Lammy’s proposals offer a roadmap for a more assertive and proactive approach to international relations.