The twentieth century posed great challenges for British foreign policymakers. How effectively did they cope with decline and change? Were they as pragmatic as they claimed? Are there identifiable patterns of success and failure? These are the questions Peter Mangold answers in the first thematic account of British foreign policy between 1900 and 2000. Issues covered include Imperial overstretch, the reluctance to engage politically or militarily with Europe, alliance management, force, loss of Great Power status, Britain's impact on the international system and future prospect.