Very interesting read on how a Labour Government might approach foreign policy. Good to see here the recognition of soft power, climate and development as important drivers.

This is a must read: the kind of practical, hard-nosed thinking we should encourage from our allies.

Obviously conservatives will have differences. But the grammar of enlightened self-interest will enable us to collaborate effectively even with allied governments of the left.

David Lammy: Progressive realism advocates using realist means to pursue progressive ends such as countering climate change, defending democracy, and advancing the world’s economic development. foreignaffairs.com/united-kingdom…

Read David Lammy, a member of the British Labour Party’s Shadow Cabinet, on how the United Kingdom can kickstart an era of renewal—and better address global threats such as pandemics, artificial intelligence, and the climate crisis:
trib.al/uRnotFE

Essential reading.

‘When former Prime Minister Tony Blair entered Downing Street 27 years ago, the British economy was larger than India’s and China’s combined’

The world has changed dramatically. So, understanding and preparing for today/tomorrow is absolutely crucial.

'Because the resources needed to decarbonize economies stretch across borders, no country can go green without international cooperation.'

‘Progressive realism advocates using realist means to pursue progressive ends’

“The Case for Progressive Realism” a pragmatic and insightful piece by UK’s Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy [David Lammy] published in Foreign Affairs.

A must read 👇🏽

Perhaps today’s most important read: David Lammy’s long and thoughtful manifesto for a The Labour Party foreign policy, in Foreign Affairs. Also including a useful comparison/contrast between the Bevin & Cook styles of diplomacy.

'A progressive realism worth its name begins by being honest about assumptions the West made in the past that turned out to be wrong. The broad consensus that economic globalization would inevitably breed liberal democratic values proved false.'

Can't recommend this read on a push for 'progressive realism' enough, especially on European and Indo-Pacific security. A framing that fills in many gaps (especially as the GOP abandons U.S. leadership), and that charts a path forward.

Recommended reading to understand how David Lammy would approach foreign policy as SoS

He sets out how dramatically geopolitics has changed since Labour last entered government, his 'progressive realism' approach, & what can be learned from both Ernest Bevin and Robin Cook

Interesting piece from the shadow foreign secretary on the need for 'progressive realism' in British foreign policy.

Notable that in the UK context-unlike in America-it's easier for progressives to be consistent across cases like Ukraine and Palestine.
foreignaffairs.com/united-kingdom…

Hugely important we follow the legacy of Robin Cook and put human rights, climate and conflict resolution at the heart of our Foreign policy

An important speech about the UK’s future foreign policy. Interested to see how that can be aligned with the EU’s own foreign and security architecture.

Notable line, among others: “Progressive realism seeks the same thing for Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine: for each to be a sovereign, secure, and internationally recognized state, at peace with its neighbors.”

1\ This by David Lammy is well worth a read. In the confusion and turbulence of the current moment in geopolitics, the idea of progressive realism brings some much needed clarity - and the potential of a clearer strategic purpose for British diplomacy.

This is a powerful organising vision for Britain and Labour’s foreign policy if we are lucky enough to serve from the brilliant David Lammy. Do read.

Important reading to add to your list today. The analysis of David Lammy & Labour’s foreign policy vision of the UK’s place in the world and how it intends to use ‘progressive realism’ to deliver for 🇬🇧 & respond to global challenges.