Lecture Held on “The 2024 UK General Election and Its Impact on Foreign Policy”

On November 2, 2023, the Center for International Security and Strategy at Renmin University of China held a lecture titled 'The 2024 UK General Election and its Impact on Foreign Policy' in Room 813 of the Mingde International Building.

The event featured Dr. Yu Jie a senior fellow of Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs), UK as the main speaker, with moderation by associate professor Ji Xianbai.

Faculty members, including Professor Fang Lexian, Associate Professor Tang Hong, and lecturers Wang Zhaodong and Wu Di, were also engaged in discussions with Dr. Yu Jie, which attracted over 20 attendees from within and outside the university.

In her lecture, Dr. Yu Jie shared her perspectives on the future trends with regards to the UK’s foreign policy. She noted that since the 2016 Brexit referendum, the UK has sought a more significant role internationally, adopting the slogan 'Global Britain'. The future of UK foreign policy primarily involves strengthening ties with the US, actively participating in global affairs, and increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific region. These strategies face several challenges: financial support for global ambitions, balancing the special relationship with the US while developing an independent foreign policy, and skepticism regarding the UK's stance on Ukraine. Dr. Yu Jie then analyzed potential key political figures in the 2024 UK elections and their possible foreign policy directions, including the Labour Party's stance.

The seminar featured in-depth discussions about shifts in the UK's foreign policy and the evolution of international order. Students also engaged in discussions, sharing their perspectives on the topic. The end of the event was met with enthusiastic applause, marking its success.