Jonathan Singh
Parliamentary Candidate for Brent East and GLA Constituency Candidate for Brent and HarrowThe Liberal Democrat strategy for international security is grounded in liberal values and cooperation, ensuring defence, diplomacy, and development are aligned.
Lessons in Liberal Internationalism
For my generation of international affairs policymakers and practitioners, it feels like the United Kingdom’s power, prestige, and influence have drained away over the last 25 years. I joined the RAF as an officer just before the attacks of 9/11, full of naïve excitement at joining a “force for good” that would help defend the vulnerable and repel international aggression. Instead, my decade of service saw UK forces overwhelmed in Iraq, mired in Afghanistan, and under-prepared for the aftermath of the Libya air campaign and Arab spring uprisings.
I left the RAF in 2012 and transitioned to working as a development professional supporting communities affected by conflict, crisis, and poverty. I saw first-hand both the impact that UK support can have on fragile societies, and the structural flaws and outdated assumptions that lead to money being spent without the desired outcomes – building frustration and resentment in recipient communities.
Returning to London in the aftermath of COVID-19 and Brexit, and just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it seemed the UK was searching for a role and purpose in the world. Simultaneously, it was trying to deal with transnational challenges, that at times felt overwhelming, in the face of cuts to staffing and funding and a divisive and unnecessary exit from the EU.
Like others, I learned that we need to be realistic in understanding where we can have an impact, and more considered and collaborative in designing approaches to international policy. Our values must set our course, with clear and achievable strategies to tackle complex problems alongside the humility to recognise what we cannot change. We need a reset for liberal internationalism.
A Liberal Strategy
Liberal Democrats have always been internationalists and have consistently stood up for democracy and human rights. Not just because we think it is the moral thing to do, but because we believe the United Kingdom should promote a rules-based international order that protects the rights and dignity of individuals and communities and sets the conditions for economic and social progress.
Our approach to international security is oriented around three pillars. Firstly, understanding the United Kingdom’s unique strengths while recognising our limitations. This requires an honest reflection on our capabilities and a greater understanding of how the world is changing around us, not the arrogance, complacency, and boosterism of recent times. The United Kingdom is almost uniquely positioned to be a convening power, where we can build on the strengths of our development, diplomatic, defence, education, and cultural sectors to promote peace, justice, and stability globally.
The second pillar is a belief in fostering multilateralism, partnerships, and cooperation. We have a proud history of supporting multilateral institutions and international law and recognise that tackling complex transnational issues can only be accomplished through cooperation. While we would work to forge closer partnerships with established democracies and double our efforts to engage with those on the democratic path, we also recognise that at times, we will need to cooperate with states that don’t share our values. That is why strengthening international agreements and multi-lateral institutions is so important in holding all powers accountable for their shared responsibilities and commitments.
The third element is ensuring the United Kingdom’s strategies for defence, diplomacy, and development are aligned to deliver the greatest impact in our foreign and security policy. Ensuring a first-class military, with good training, equipment, and morale, is vital, but so too is ensuring that we promote peace and stability by investing in diplomacy and development. We believe that a democratic and liberal world is one that is safer and more prosperous than one dominated by autocracy, and that liberal values need to be promoted and defended.
The Three Ds
We will immediately restore our ODA budget to 0.7 per cent of GNI and increase investment in the skills and knowledge of our diplomats to reclaim our position as a diplomatic and development superpower. We would build positive and respectful economic and political partnerships in the Global South to counter the rise of authoritarianism and support countries and regional bodies trying to build more inclusive and democratic societies.
Deepening partnerships is key to tackling poverty and injustice and enabling individuals and communities to make the best use of their resources and human capital. Focussing on children and young people is vital as many countries experience a demographic surge. ODA programmes should be outcomes-focused and co-designed with recipient communities to build economic and environmental resilience and improve the lives of citizens. Where democracy is threatened or ineffective due to corruption or complacency, we will support civil society and social movements that strengthen democratic norms and challenge elite corruption. The needs of women, girls, LGBTQ+, and other marginalised communities will be at the forefront of our strategy.
Our military power would focus on the defence of the United Kingdom and our overseas territories while leading in defending our immediate neighbourhood of the Euro-Atlantic region. We will sign a new security and cooperation agreement with the EU and ensure that we meet all our NATO commitments. We would set realistic and achievable operational goals for our military and ensure transparency and accountability for areas to be improved upon. We will expand joint exercises and exchange programmes within and outside NATO, prioritising interoperability and coordination with allies across defence. We will adopt a long-term industrial strategy that builds on existing capabilities and protects the UK’s sustainable leadership in defence science and technology.
A Hopeful Vision
The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free, and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality, and community, and in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance, or conformity. Our strategy is a reset for Liberal internationalism for the 21st century that will promote the Liberal Democrat vision of a democratic, safe, and prosperous world.
This is just one of the articles that features in the ‘Foreign Policy and Defence’ section in the recent edition of Chamber’s journal. To get access to the online version, please click here to subscribe, or visit our shop to gain access to a print version.
