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In the period 1964 – 70 arguably the most significant decisions were taken in British strategic military policy in the whole post-war period. During these years, Britain narrowed its strategic focus away from a global orientation and towards a concentration upon the continent of Europe. With the aid of hindsight, such a transition appears to have been inevitable as Britain came to terms with its status as a middle-ranking European power. However, as the new Labour government came into office ...

The study of the British position during the accession negotiations with the EC can throw light on general questions which have traditionally occupied the minds of political scientists, in this case, the relationship between “public opinion” and “elites”. How was the British position towards the European Community (EC) formulated? Which actors were involved? Whose ‘opinion’ mattered? Whose interests did the policy line reflect? In order to answer these questions and highlight their relevance,...