ABSTRACT
Throughout the 1990s Britain was widely viewed as having a problematic relationship with the European integration project. This view drew on representations suggesting that it was declining as a great power. After refusing to participate in the initial phases of the project in the 1950s Britain decided to join it in the1960s, largely on account of the worsening economic situation. However, France blocked its entry into the European Community until 1971.1 As a member, Britain was soon constructed as a reluctant and ‘awkward partner’, both at home and in Europe (Allen 1988: 171, Wallace, W. 1992, Forster 1998, George 1998, White 2001). It was perceived as opposing any development that could undermine its sovereignty, and thus as holding back Western European integration. In the field of foreign and security policy Britain considered itself the key ally of the US in the Cold War world. As such it highlighted the importance of US com - mitment to European security and NATO, and was reluctant to accept or support the enlargement of independent European capabilities.
