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The article discusses the complexity of diplomatic and cultural exchange, assimilation, competition, and cooperation that characterized the alliance between England and Spain in the sixteenth century. It also examines the shared cultural heritage of both countries, their trade agreements, and dynastic marriages that had linked them closely by blood. Moreover, a special attention is given to Philip II's entry into London in 1554 as the new English king, a pivotal moment in the rivalry between the two countries. The general dynamics of the international diplomatic relations between the two are also discussed, demonstrating the balance between honesty and deception, admiration and jealousy, and cooperation and rivalry.

'Community cohesion' is widely regarded as the 'new' framework governing race relations policy in the UK. It emerged in government discourse following the civil disturbances that occurred in several northern UK towns in 2001, and has rapidly become absorbed within local government and related organizations to replace previous attempts of multiculturalism. This paper examines several key characteristics of this agenda. In particular, I explore 'slippages' in language within and around discourses of 'community cohesion'. I demonstrate how `community' is central to the community cohesion agenda, and suggest that whilst the concept of 'community' is highly ambiguous, it has continuing resonance in New Labour policymaking. The concept of `community' has particular implications for processes of race and gender. Talking about 'communities' enables for language to become deracialized, whilst at the same time the language of community cohesion draws upon earlier discourses of assimilation through notions of 'integration'. The community cohesion agenda is also gendered, and as suggested in this paper, has specific implications for women and the construction of 'cultures'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]