| Description |
Britain has long had an awkward relationship with Europe. Historically, Britain has been the most detached European state. Since Britain's move into the European Community in 1973, however, it has pursued a different and more active role. Britain's new approach (redefined and carried out forcefully during Margaret Thatcher's tenure as Prime Minister of Britain from 1979 to 1990) emphasizes the advantages of an economic trade partnership with Europe. Yet, it is also an approach which is centered on the notion of national sovereignty. This has created a paradox. Britain wants to enjoy the benefits of an open trading arrangement with other European nations, while at the same time, Britain is intent to make sure an increasingly centralized European superstate does not interfere with many of its domestic political affairs. When Margaret Thatcher became Britain's Prime Minister in 1979, this paradox became even more pronounced. Thatcher believed that Britain could move forward with the European Community's plans toward greater integration so long as the economic reasons justified it. Yet, when Britain's right of national sovereignty was questioned by other European states, Thatcher's policy became one of defiance and discontent. Cold War events in the 1980s, which initially buttressed Thatcher's approach, soon changed the context in which her government's policies made sense. In post-Cold War Europe, Thatcher's policies no longer worked nor were they justified. Thus Britain was left torn between old loyalties and new realities. Recent events in Europe only underscore the paradoxical nature of Thatcher's European approach and Britain's present predicament. As the European Community moves forward in its effort to become a true European "union," Britain still struggles with the political legacy of the Thatcher era. Even though most Europeans now admit to an uncertain future (particularly as plans for monetary union are questioned), Britain must once again redefine its awkward relationship with Europe. In order for Britain to craft a beneficial and effective working relationship with Europe, it first must abandon Thatcher's unworkable Cold War strategies. This will not be easy. If Britain fails to do this, however, it risks falling into a repeat performance of the indecision, and subsequent ineffectiveness, it demonstrated in European affairs after W.W.II and before becoming a member of the European Community. |
