This week, Ed Miliband demonstrated that even in the Trump era, Britain may once again pay attention to the ethical dimensions of its foreign policy by announcing the country's decision to impose economic sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This action somewhat recalls the principles emphasized by Robin Cook, the then Foreign Secretary, when he announced his ethical foreign policy 30 years ago.
A History of British Foreign Policy
At that time, Robin Cook declared that Britain should support the demands of other nations for democratic rights; human rights that should be at the heart of this country's foreign policy. Since then, Britain has experienced 14 other foreign secretaries, many of whom have failed to implement progressive principles in their actions. In his recent speech, Ed Miliband not only announced the decision to sanction Israel but also revealed plans to form an international coalition to support this action.
A Bright Future or Continuation of the Past?
These developments may lead to a fundamental change in Britain's policies. Can Miliband turn Cook's legacy into reality and steer Britain's international behavior towards ethical principles? Given this country's challenging history in foreign policies, this question remains unanswered. However, it seems that this initial action is a sign of positive and hopeful changes in the international arena.
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