Is Britain a global power?
Discuss issues related to the politics of the UK, such as the actions of any MP, any current or potential law, or any other factor affecting the British political system.
| Announcements | Posted on | |
|---|---|---|
| Please change your TSR password | 23-05-2013 | |
-
- Reputation:
- Thread Starter
- Benevolent Member
Is Britain a global power?Weejimmie and myself have been arguing as to whether Britain is a global power. Neither of us have persuaded the other. Here's the main part of our arguments:
1.(Original post by John82)
Well, we have the second largest military presence in Iraq and were effectively the second in commmand.2.(Original post by Weejimmie)
You might as well say a flea is second in command to the dog it rides on. This country's activities in Iraq are very minor compared with the US's and merely provide a cloak of internationalism.(Original post by John82)
We are one of only seven (possibly more) nations to possess a nuclear arsenal.3.(Original post by Weejimmie)
for what it's worth, we are completely unable to use it without the permission of the USA as it depends on US sattelites which cannot be accessed without their permisission.(Original post by John82)
We have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (1 of only 5 nations, I think).4.(Original post by Weejimmie)
Becausethe UK helped set up the UN. What effect do you think the UN has?(Original post by John82)
We are part of the Commonwealth, which I believe is the most global intergovernmental institution outside the UN (although I concede this is of relatively little significance).5.(Original post by Weejimmie)
So that doesn't matter(Original post by John82)
I think we have the fifth largest economy in the world, though soon to be overtaken by China. We are also a member of the G7(8), arguably the most respected economies in the world.Quotes taken from Working Hours Directive thread (we got slightly side-tracked). Sorry it's a bit messy.(Original post by Weejimmie)
Roughly comparable with France, Germany, spain and other EU members.
What do you all think? -
- Reputation:
- Benevolent Member
- Location: A gingerbread house
Damn right we are... although not as much as we used to be.
I think we are comparable to France, Germany etc, but I do think we punch well above our weight on the international scene - Britain has, I believe, much more gravitas in the international theatre (and things like the UN, NATO, the EU etc) than france or germany. -
- Reputation:
- TSR Royalty
You actually believe that Britain has more power within the EU than France?(Original post by WhatFreshHell?)
Damn right we are... although not as much as we used to be.
I think we are comparable to France, Germany etc, but I do think we punch well above our weight on the international scene - Britain has, I believe, much more gravitas in the international theatre (and things like the UN, NATO, the EU etc) than france or germany. -
- Reputation:
- TSR Royalty
And what has changed since then? The Stability Pact got scrapped, a borderline socialist constitution introduced, and subsidies to "national champions" and farmers maintained. What specific actions of the EU make you believe that it is anything more than a Franco-German axis?(Original post by NDGAARONDI)
If you asked that five years ago I'd say no but since then things have changed along with 10 new member states being added. -
- Reputation:
- TSR Royalty
France and Germany are responsible for a vast majority of EU policies and its very structure. While Britain attempted to be exempt from as many EU regulations as possible, France and Germany (mostly the former) have been the ones crafting those regulations. Frankly, I have never heard an EU expert claim that Britain's influence within the EU comes anywhere close to approaching France's, Germany's, or even Holland's.(Original post by beekeeper_)
I don't see why not
Britain is stronger than France, and its position in the EU is important to say the least.
-
- Reputation:
- TSR Deity
- Location: Najaf al-Ashraf
- Posts: 28,224
I agree with you there, Britain has very little influence in the EU, but it is much more powerful worldwide, so I guess it doesn't bother us so much.(Original post by Bismarck)
France and Germany are responsible for a vast majority of EU policies and its very structure. While Britain attempted to be exempt from as many EU regulations as possible, France and Germany (mostly the former) have been the ones crafting those regulations. Frankly, I have never heard an EU expert claim that Britain's influence within the EU comes anywhere close to approaching France's, Germany's, or even Holland's. -
- Reputation:
- TSR Idol
Ditto. Probably because the EU does its very best to damage Britain as it possibly can. The recent working-hours rubbish is going to hit the British economy hard. Its not our fault we are a hard working nation.(Original post by zaf1986)
I agree with you there, Britain has very little influence in the EU, but it is much more powerful worldwide, so I guess it doesn't bother us so much.
Tbh, if i had the power, i would pull Britain out of Europe and never look back.
The money this country hands the EU could be spent in far more productive ways. -
- Reputation:
- TSR Royalty
That depends. Britain has more military power worldwide, but France is able to use the EU to accomplish French objectives, which greatly magnifies French power.(Original post by zaf1986)
I agree with you there, Britain has very little influence in the EU, but it is much more powerful worldwide, so I guess it doesn't bother us so much. -
- Reputation:
- Benevolent Member
- Location: Kent/Cambridge
Problem with the question is how to define a "global power".
We're NOT a superpower...the USA is the only one and can consequently do as it please
We are a global player, for all the reasons about economy and diplomatic influence already given.
So I voted yes
