The Humanities and Social Sciences Tackling the UK's International Challenges Programme 2017

Abstract:
In her September 2017 United Nations speech, Prime Minister Theresa May acknowledged the UK’s ‘special responsibility’ as a permanent member of the Security Council. This project examines the extent to which the UK is, after the decision to leave the European Union, perceived to be properly discharging this responsibility. The project builds on an interdisciplinary approach that examines state actions through Bourdieuian-inspired sociology, especially 'practice theory', and assesses those actions in a normative context informed by what moral philosophy tells us about special responsibilities. Working with impact partners in London and New York, the project asks how, if at all, the UK government's perception of its role has changed, how its status and diplomacy as a permanent member is perceived by other members of the Security Council, and whether its practices in New York have adapted or need to adapt.