Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on foreign and defence policy as a broad issue area within post-war British party politics and elections. It examines the relative salience of foreign and core domestic issues, such as economic management, for the British public over time. The book also focuses on public opinion towards Britain’s role in the post-war transatlantic security system. It explores in detail at public opinion towards the European integration process. The book assesses public opinion towards Britain’s long-term role as a provider of overseas aid, an area where it projects ‘soft power’ as an international actor. It addresses public opinion in post-war Britain towards defence expenditure, including in the context of preferences concerning spending on domestic issue areas. The book describes the limitations of the analyses undertaken and identifies areas for future research.