Manchester University Press - The imperial premiership

Recent votes in the House of Commons on British military intervention have put foreign policy at the heart of public consciousness. This book spans British foreign policy over the last fifty years and nine premierships from Harold Wilson to David Cameron. Based on the author's first-hand interviews with former foreign secretaries, Cabinet ministers, senior civil servants, party officials, military chiefs and diplomats it offers a unique account of the growing role of the prime minister in foreign policymaking and its impact. Written by a senior parliamentary researcher it offers an insider account of votes on military intervention in Syria. The prime minister now spends more time on foreign policy than any previous period outside war, yet the public and MPs themselves remain relatively ill-informed of foreign policy outside of crises. If we are to avoid the mistakes of the past and utilise our country's full capacity on the world stage we need a societal change in how we vet those who seek the office and in educating the electorate.

Reviews

'As someone who worked at close quarters for five British Foreign Secretaries and three Prime Ministers, I had a worm's eye view of the growing foreign policy role of the British Premier. Sam Goodman's account is detailed, forensic and subtle. For this is not a straightforward story and the interplay between Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary has been shaped by personality as well as by a political dynamic. Goodman understands, and he tells a fascinating story with authority and compelling clarity. Anyone looking for a concise, accurate and interesting account of the big events and challenges in British foreign policy over the last half century will enjoy this book and want to keep it as an invaluable source of fact and insight.'
Stephen Wall

'Sam Goodman's book gives an excellent overview of the main foreign policy challenges faced by nine British Prime Ministers over the last 50 years and how they dealt with them. It draws richly on first-hand accounts, is very well-written and will be a valuable source of reference for politicians and students alike.'
Hilary Benn

'This book is a must read for anyone seeking to develop a comprehensive understanding of the growing dominance of British Prime ministers in foreign policy decision making, especially when it comes to questions of war and peace. A Senior Parliamentary Researcher in Westminster, Goodman's important work greatly benefits from his unique access to primary sources and documents.
Covering a total of nine premierships between 1964 and 2015, The Imperial Premiership is based on numerous personal interviews as well as meticulous archival analysis. Goodman not only takes an institutional approach, taking a closer look at Prime Ministers' interactions with the Foreign Office, Cabinet, or Members of Parliament, but also places great emphasis on how their personal views, convictions, and styles shape foreign policy outcomes.
I highly recommend Goodman's excellent work to policymakers, academics, undergraduate and graduate students of international affairs and history, but it will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in contemporary British foreign affairs.' - Dorle Hellmuth, Associate Professor of Politics, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

Foreword by the Rt Hon. Lord Owen
Introduction
Prologue
1. Harold Wilson 1964-70
2. Ted Heath 1970-4
3. Harold Wilson 1974-6
4. James Callaghan 1976-9
5. Margaret Thatcher 1979-90
6. Tony Blair 1997-2007
7. Gordon Brown 2007-10
8. David Cameron 2010-15
Conclusion
Epilogue
Index

Author

Sam Goodman is a senior parliamentary researcher who in the past has worked with Members of the House of Commons, the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and the US House of Representatives