There is little systematic analysis available of Britain's contribution to East-West relations since 1945, and in particular of Britain's contribution to East-West detente. In general, British attempts to act as mediator between East and West have been regarded as ineffectual, and a rather desperate attempt to prove that Britain could still wield influence on the world stage.

In this new contribution to the study of the evolution of post-war international relations, Brian White argues that Britain's contribution to detente cannot so easily be dismissed. Through narrative and analysis, he examines the persistent theme of Britain's attempts to steer East-West relations in a co-operative direction. In doing so, he has provided both an important revaluation of Britain's role in the post-war world and an invaluable case study in foreign policy formation and execution.