A Plan for Increasing Interference in the Affairs of Other Countries

Workers' Daily Internet Edition: Article Index :

The Government’s White Paper on "International Priorities":
A Plan for Increasing Interference in the Affairs of Other Countries

In December last year the government issued a White Paper, "UK International Priorities: A Strategy for the FCO". It was the first time that the Foreign and Commonwealth had published a document of this type, which sets out the government’s foreign policy priorities for the next five to ten years.

In his foreword to the White Paper the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, presents in summary the case for an "active and engaged" British foreign policy. It is clear that this means a continuation of the policy that has emerged in the period following the end of the "cold war" and the bi-polar division of the world, of increasing interference and military intervention around the world. But it is clear that the government also wishes to take into account the changed international circumstances since September 11, 2001. The White Paper therefore aims to set out Britain’s international priorities in the coming period and to consider how to pursue a "modern foreign policy".

According to government assumptions about the way the world will develop in the next ten years, the White Paper identifies eight "international strategic policy priorities", which are in the words of the White Paper:

8. a world safer from global terrorism and weapons of mass destruction;
8. protection of the UK from illegal immigration, drug trafficking and other international crime;
8. an international system based on the rule of law, which is better able to resolve disputes and prevent conflicts;
8. an effective EU in a secure neighbourhood;
8. promotion of UK economic interests in an open and expanding global economy;
8. sustainable development, underpinned by democracy, good governance and the human rights;
8. security of UK and global energy supplies;
8. security and good governance of the UK’s Overseas Territories.

What is immediately evident is that these "priorities" will involve increased intervention in the affairs of other countries, including military intervention. The government predicts that "global inequalities are likely to increase and, with them political tensions between the wealthier and poorer countries". It accepts that "greater awareness of wealth disparities, and frustration at lack of opportunities, may find expression in political or religious extremism," and it recognises that Africa in particular will become "an increasingly urgent regional priority". The White Paper makes it clear that the government will champion pre-emptive action to deal with "state failure", terrorism and WMD, as well as the use of force for "humanitarian purposes". It makes clear the government’s intention to step up its interference in Iran and the DPRK and it openly proclaims that its agenda will include "a serious effort to support peaceful political and social reform in countries of the Arab world". The White Paper concludes: "Our ability to project armed force will be a key instrument of our foreign policy."

The growing instability in the world cries out for an enlightened approach to international affairs and for a truly modern foreign policy but the New Labour government’s White Paper shows that it has entirely different aims, that it means to continue on a course which threatens to plunge the world into even greater instability and increase the danger of war.