1974 – The Rt. Hon. Sir Alec Douglas-Home – Britain’s Changing Role in World Affairs

In this lecture, the Right Honourable Sir Alec Douglas-Home spoke to the changes in British foreign policy after World War II. He pointed out that the shrinking power of Britain has caused this change, though this change must not be either over- or understated. The two common errors are either the failure to recognise that the position of Britain has changed or to believe that this change was so monumental that Britain has little to no power or influence. He gave a brief history of British power, noting the negative effects of World War II. He advocated greater participation in the European Union, noted the problems faced in the Cold War and the Middle East conflict, and suggested that the promotion of peace must always be the goal of British policy.