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The UK is the only state that is a member of the G8, EU, Nato, the Commonwealth and the UN Security Council, putting it in a unique position on the global stage. It is also a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Council of Europe. The UK has been a member of the EU since 1973 and is subject to laws passed by the European Parliament, although it has so far declined to ditch the pound in favour of the euro. Its economy may be smaller than those of Germany or Japan, yet the UK plays a larger role than either of those countries on the international scene, both militarily and diplomatically.

Democracy, humanitarianism and respect for human rights are claimed to be top priorities for the current government, but these ideals have been questioned following the UK’s involvement in the Iraq war and the fight against terrorism. The government has also increased the political bridging role it plays between Europe and the US, leaving it open to much criticism from other political players and the public. In 2003, when the US pushed to invade Iraq, the UK government pledged its support despite the fact that Britain’s Stop the War Coalition held the largest demonstration in the country’s history, when up to two million protesters marched through London.