Over the 6th to 7th of June, Rethinking Security and Peace Direct will hold a two-day online consultation on “Global Perceptions of British foreign policy”.
Join the conversation.
Rethinking Security is a network of UK-based organisations, academics and activists. We work for a just and peaceful world, based on approaches that address the underlying causes of conflict and insecurity.
Peace Direct is an international charity dedicated to stopping wars, one person at a time. In conflict zones around the world, we support local people to stop violence and build long term peace.
Rethinking Security has partnered with Peace Direct to research and write a policy paper on how British foreign policy is perceived globally, understanding the influence it has on individuals, communities and nations. Findings will also support the creation of a new UK Human Security Strategy as part of a wider ‘Alternative Security Review’ led by Rethinking Security. With this in mind, we invite campaigners, policymakers, change-makers and anyone else who have been impacted by British foreign policy to be part of the conversation. We particularly encourage those from (or descending from) Africa and Asia.
Deadline to Register: Monday 5th June 17:00 GMT
As a former colonial power, the United Kingdom has played a significant role in shaping global affairs, including economic development, political stability, and conflict resolution. We are interested in hearing your views on how British foreign policy has affected your country or region.
By listening to and taking into account the perceptions of those impacted, we are hoping to find ways in which to decolonise British foreign policy. With the hopes that policymakers may be able to adjust their policies and actions to better reflect the needs and desires of those they seek to influence. It can highlight the need to address issues such as historical injustices, unequal power dynamics, and human rights abuses, which can lead to more effective and ethical foreign policy decisions.
Your opinions and experiences are essential to understanding how global issues affect different parts of the world. Areas of foreign policy we are interested in include UK diplomacy, security policy and military action, international development and investment policy, or approaches to policy areas such as human rights and climate action.
Some of the key questions we’ll explore during this conversation are:
- How do you think British foreign policy has impacted your country or region? Has this impact been positive or negative? How has it changed over time?
- Have you ever had direct experience with British foreign, security or development policy or the actions of the British government in your country? If so, could you describe your experience?
- How do you think the UK could improve its relationship with countries in the Global South?
- Do you feel that the colonial legacy of the UK impacts its foreign policy? If so, in what ways?
- In what ways can or should the UK decolonise its approach to foreign policy?
Through this discussion, we hope to gain in-depth insights on the real-life impact of British foreign policy and how it can be decolonised. We encourage participants to share their own experiences where possible. We acknowledge that many of these discussions will be difficult and uncomfortable, and we will hold this space with care. Though difficult, these conversations are critical in ensuring that UK foreign policy helps build new, just and equitable realities. Please forward this to anyone you think might be interested.
How will it work? The conversations will take place on Peace Direct’s Platform4Dialogue* online discussion platform for three days, over 6-7 of June.
A public paper will be produced from this consultation to present the findings to the wider sector, and findings will also be used to influence broader advocacy on security policy in the UK. Some participants may be asked for their consent to have their comments from the consultation quoted in this report.
*Platform4Dialogue is an online text-based platform that allows participants to contribute at times most suitable to them. It is possible to fit participation around your usual commitments and various time-zones.