How far was Tony Blair's foreign policy successful?

Question 1

Evidence of success

Answer 1

• During the Iraq war, the special relationship remained in tact
• Kosovo war intervention was a success - it stopped the atrocities against Kosovo Albanians, and was achieved with no British casualties
• Sierra Leone intervention a success - Britain sent several ships + paratroopers - secured capital, defeating rebels and forcing them to negotiate
• Good relationships with leaders in Europe
• Helped shape the expansion of the EU

Question 2

Evidence of failure

Answer 2

• Iraq war may not have been necessary of peaceful options explored - critics say dossier was exaggerated
• Blair left office with the British people no more convinced by the EEC than when he had entered office
• Iraq War opened up deep divisions between Britain and those countries in Europe who had opposed the war
• Britain’s worldwide reputation was damaged by Iraq War
• Idea of interventionism had been discredited
• Blair’s foreign policy was domestically controversial
• Iraq War increased threat to Britain of Terrorist attacks