Manchester University Press The Imperial Premiership: The Role of the Modern Prime Minister in Foreign Policy Making, 1964–2015

Between 2011 and 2015 the House of Commons voted four times on the question of military intervention. Britain's activities abroad have been brought to the forefront of the public consciousness. The imperial premiership provides a comprehensive overview of British foreign policy over the last fifty years and nine premierships, from Harold Wilson to David Cameron. Based on the author's first-hand interviews with former foreign secretaries, Cabinet ministers, senior civil servants, party officials, military chiefs and diplomats, it offers a unique account of the growing role of the Prime Minister in foreign-policy making and the personal impact each premier has had on British foreign policy as a whole. It also provides an insider account of both votes on the question of military intervention in Syria. The book argues that the Prime Minister now spends more time on foreign policy than at any other period outside of war, yet with the exception of high-profile crises the public and MPs themselves remain ill-informed on the subject. If we are to avoid the foreign-policy mistakes of the past and make full use of our country's authority on the world stage then we need a societal change in how we vet those who seek the office and in how we educate the electorate. The imperial premiership includes a foreword by former Foreign Secretary Lord Owen. It will appeal to readers with an interest in British politics and history, and international relations. Review As someone who worked at close quarters for five British Foreign Secretaries and three Prime Ministers, I had a worm's eye view of the growing foreign policy role of the British Premier. Sam Goodman's account is detailed, forensic and subtle. For this is not a straightforward story and the interplay between Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary has been shaped by personality as well as by a political dynamic. Goodman understands, and he tells a fascinating story with authority and compelling clarity. Anyone looking for a concise, accurate and interesting account of the big events and challenges in British foreign policy over the last half century will enjoy this book and want to keep it as an invaluable source of fact and insight. - Stephen Wall Sam Goodman's book gives an excellent overview of the main foreign policy challenges faced by nine British Prime Ministers over the last 50 years and how they dealt with them. It draws richly on first-hand accounts, is very well-written and will be a valuable source of reference for politicians and students alike. - Hilary Benn This book is a must read for anyone seeking to develop a comprehensive understanding of the growing dominance of British Prime ministers in foreign policy decision making, especially when it comes to questions of war and peace. A Senior Parliamentary Researcher in Westminster, Goodman's important work greatly benefits from his unique access to primary sources and documents. Covering a total of nine premierships between 1964 and 2015, The Imperial Premiership is based on numerous personal interviews as well as meticulous archival analysis. Goodman not only takes an institutional approach, taking a closer look at Prime Ministers' interactions with the Foreign Office, Cabinet, or Members of Parliament, but also places great emphasis on how their personal views, convictions, and styles shape foreign policy outcomes... ...I highly recommend Goodman's excellent work to policymakers, academics, undergraduate and graduate students of international affairs and history, but it will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in contemporary British foreign affairs. - Dorle Hellmuth, Associate Professor of Politics, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC From the Inside Flap Between 2011 and 2015 the House of Commons voted four times on the question of military intervention. Britain's activities abroad have been brought to the forefront of the public consciousness. The imperi