Once the greatest global superpower, Great Britain’s reach weighed on the world. Known for its vast empire where the sun never set, Britain’s sway was conclusive. Today, however, the country seems far from its former honor. From social unrest to a shrinking economic footprint, the question remains: what happened to my beloved Britain?
A History of Civil Unrest
In recent years, Britain has observed multiple surges of riots and social unrest. The most recent were in Southport but civil unrest has been a continuing issue since the 1980s. Riots have occurred in different cities including in 1981, 1985, 1990-2001 and 2005 when tensions reached boiling points in places like Bradford and Birmingham. In 2010, angry students clashed with police after the government raised university fees.[1] The question experts often ask during these events is whether socioeconomic policies or cultural tensions are to blame. Some argue that high inflation, static wages and public spending cuts have contributed while others point to mass immigration and the strain on the National Health Service (NHS) as contributing factors.
A Struggling Economy
Britain’s economic standing is in peril regardless of still being among the top ten economies by GDP. Once the global leader in industry and trade, Britain now struggles with uncontrollable poverty and a shrinking global influence. The post-World War II industrial decline compounded by the loss of its empire has left the country in a risky financial position. The UK’s relationship with the European Union is marked by tension over sovereignty and it further complicates future prospects.
Declining Influence in Arts and Sports
Britain’s influence on culture around the world is not as strong as it used to be. The once-dominant music scene demonstrated by Britpop and the “cool Britannia” phenomenon has faded. British cinema which is struggling hard to remain relevant was on life support before the Harry Potter franchise offered a brief resurgence. Football once a global powerhouse has lost much of its former prestige. The UK no longer dominates in entertainment or sports the way it once did.
The Rise and Fall of a Nation
Britain’s rise to power began in the 16th century with its defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. This victory labelled the beginning of Britain’s naval dominance which powered its imperial expansion. Colonies sprouted up across the Americas and the Caribbean and provided vital resources like tobacco, sugar and cotton. By the 19th century, Britain was the world’s leading economic power, thanks to the Industrial Revolution. Yet, despite its industrial strength some scholars argue that Britain’s economic growth during this period was slower than anticipated hindered by costly wars and competition from rising industrial powers like Germany and the United States.
The Cost of War
The world war dealt a crippling blow to Britain’s economic stability. World War I cost the country around $35 billion and shifted Britain from the world’s largest lender to one of its biggest debtors.[2] World War II only intensified this financial strain with Britain’s national debt rising to over 270% of its GDP by 1945. The post-war recovery period was long and difficult as the country stumbled to rebuild its infrastructure while also maintaining the costly NHS.
Declining Industries and the End of the Empire
By the 1960s and 1970s, Britain’s once-thriving industries were outdated. Coal mining, steel production and textiles, industries that had powered Britain’s growth, were no longer competitive. The breakup of the British Empire also contributed to a significant loss of resources and markets. Austerity measures and public spending cuts during this time only maximized social tensions and unrest.
Cultural Renaissance and Political Struggles
The 1990s brought a brief cultural revival with the rise of Britpop, Harry Potter and global British fashion. However, beneath the surface, political instability remained. The disbanding of the British Empire particularly the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947 was the beginning of a decline in Britain’s global influence. The 1970s saw economic hardship, racial tensions and a weakening of Britain’s international standing.
The Impact of Brexit
In recent years, Britain’s decision to leave the European Union known as Brexit has sparked intense debate. Proponents argue it will allow Britain to regain control over its borders and trade policies while critics point to economic fallout and strained international relations. Scotland’s continued push for independence and the country’s changing demographics have added to the complexity of Britain’s position on the world stage.
Britain’s Relevance in the UN Security Council
The United Kingdom has held a permanent spot on the UN Security Council since its creation in 1945 but many argue that it no longer deserves this position. Once seen as a global superpower with a huge empire stretching across the world the UK no longer holds the same influence it once did. Today, Britain is brawling with significant internal issues such as an incapacitating cost of living crisis, a struggling healthcare system and widespread economic difficulties. The country’s global influence has ebbed and it no longer exerts the power or authority it once did on the world stage. Given its current challenges, many question whether Britain should maintain its permanent seat on the Security Council. In a modern and multipolar world, it may be time for the UK to share its spot with rising global powers that reflect today’s geopolitical landscape.
Is There Hope for a Resurgence?
As Britain navigates the aftermath of Brexit and its ongoing economic struggles, the question remains: can it make a comeback? With a strong cultural history and historic alliances with former colonies, some argue that Britain still has the tools to rise again. However, its legacy as a global power may no longer be enough to ensure its future success. Whether Britain can find a new identity in a rapidly changing world remains to be seen. Only time will tell if the once-great empire can rise from its ashes or fade into irrelevance.
[1] Student Protest: 153 Arrested in London Demonstration Against Tuition Fees,” The Telegraph, Nov. 10, 2010
[2] Blum, Matthias, and Jari Eloranta. “The Economics of Total War and Reconstruction, 1914-1922.” The Oxford Handbook of the Economics of World War I, edited by Stephen Broadberry and Mark Harrison, Oxford University Press, 2014, pp. 97-116.
