ABSTRACT
This chapter views definitions of Britain across two dimensions. First, it identifies and analyses Britain’s domestic political configuration in terms of relationships between constituent nations of the UK, particularly the relationship between the centre at Westminster and devolved nations and other entities removed from the centre; it shows how historical context, legacy and definitions of the British constitution can frame 1) centre–nation and 2) centre–region tensions and imbalances. Reference is also made to the challenges presented by the Brexit referendum and its outcome and potential consequences. Second, Britain’s interactions with the external world, articulated through foreign and defence policy and its contacts and activities with other states in the international arena are given a historical backdrop. The concept of ‘imagined community’ and its impact on Britain’s perception of global power is shown to have some influence in this second dimension and the chapter gives an overview that takes the analysis up to the present.
