In an international landscape, where emerging newly empowered states are projecting economic and political challenges from Asia, Africa and Latin America, countries like Britain have to redefine roles for themselves in a new order that has reshaped the world. These new roles, as envisaged by David Howell, will rely far more on connectivities and fluid networks than on geographically defined blocs. How will Britain fare in this entirely new international landscape? With power and influence shifting to the developing world, and with a growing network of hyper-connections and communications between nations, Britain is already fundamentally repositioned. In this context, Howell presents a unique solution: engage with and re-energise the existing Commonwealth network of nations which is bound together by history and cultural connections. Emphasising the importance of soft power in the digital age, the author argues against the restrictions posed by traditional blocs and for the dynamism which Commonwealth linkages offer. Challenging traditionally accepted economic and political theories, Howell presents a unique new perspective on international and diplomatic relations in the twenty-first century.

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS PART ONE - Britain in a New Landscape Introduction Prospects for an Island in the Digital Age The purposes of this book described. Britain’s Re-positioning Chapter 1: Riding Two Horses False Choices and How to Stay in the Circus Chapter 2: The Sixth Phase Power Passes to the Network Chapter 3: The View from the Watchtower and the Last Day A Pathway through the Mist Chapter 4. Old Links and New Ties The Commonwealth and connectivity. The new model PART TWO - Lifting the Barriers Chapter 5: The Age of Delusions The Myths ,Misconceptions and Muddled Thoughts holding Britain back Chapter 6: Europe 1: How Tomorrow Never Came Britain’s global role abandoned in 1972; how the retreat into Europe occurred Chapter 7: Europe 2: The Party of January Twenty Three. Europe Re-united and Reformed: the New Agenda Chapter 8: The Onward March of Folly Resetting Trans-Atlantic relations . Partnership, not leadership Chapter 9: The Economists’ Handicap How misguided economic theories trap us and block Britain’s progress Chapter 10: The Energy Imbroglio The unnecessary energy crisis amidst energy plenty PART THREE - Power and Persuasion Chapter 11: The Instruments of Soft Power Influence and persuasion in the Digital and Real worlds Chapter 12 : The Face of the Future The Commonwealth’s Dual Network; The Virtual and Real Worlds Combined Chapter 13. Drifting No More Conclusions , Gateways and a Role Recovered . Epilogue. Heroes, Destinies and the Coming Freedom ---------------------------------------------------------- Annex A. A Departure Note in Advance A note on leaving the Foreign and Commonwealth Office - putting the ‘C’ back into FCO Annex B. New Tasks and Tones for the Exercise of Authority Some thoughts on retaining power and legitimacy in the new era. Annex C The EU’s climate and energy policy Holding Britain back; a note on the EU’s misguided and growth-strangling measures