The foreign policy of the United Kingdom towards the Indo-Pacific region after Brexit

This thesis examines the transformation of the United Kingdom’s foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific region following Brexit. The motivation for selecting this topic lies in the UK's efforts to redefine its global role after leaving the European Union and the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific in global politics. The thesis explores how the UK seeks to assert itself as a globally engaged middle power through a multidimensional strategy combining defence cooperation, economic diplomacy, and soft power. The research is guided by three theoretical frameworks: Middle Power Theory, Alliance Theory, and the geo-economic approach. Methodologically, the thesis relies on qualitative analysis of strategic documents, government publications, expert reports, and secondary academic literature. The structure of the thesis includes a theoretical and methodological framework, a contextual chapter outlining the development of UK foreign policy post-Brexit, and an analytical chapter focusing on defence, economic, and soft power instruments, as well as the challenges facing the Indo-Pacific strategy. The thesis contributes to the understanding of how middle powers adapt their strategic behaviour in a shifting international order. While the UK has demonstrated political commitment and developed new partnerships, the study identifies limitations related to capacity, coherence, and long-term strategic vision. These findings help assess the viability of the UK’s Indo-Pacific ambitions and highlight broader challenges in implementing a global strategy with limited resources.