Attempting Quote by Dean Acheson
“Great Britain has lost an Empire and not yet found a role. The attempt to playa separate power rolethat is, a role apart from Europe, based on a special relationship with the United States, on being the head of the Commonwealthis about to be played out. Her Majesty's Government is now attempting, wisely in my opinion, to re-enter Europe.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on British foreign policy, 1960s
Britain lost its empire and struggles to find a new purpose, considering a special US tie and possible EU re‑entry
In simple terms: Britain needs a clear role after empire loss
Key Takeaway
Define a modern national purpose
Themes
history
politics
identity
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- foreign policy reform
- EU membership debate
- US‑UK relations
- national identity projects
Key Concepts
Geopolitics
post‑colonialism
strategic alliances
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should Britain pursue today?
- How can historic ties shape future policy?
A Different Perspective
Re‑entering Europe may face domestic opposition and economic constraints
![“The dark cloud, which had been cleared by the Phoenician discoveries, and finally dispelled by the arms of Caesar, again settled on the shores of the Atlantic, and a Roman province [Britain] was again lost among the fabulous Islands of the Ocean.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08e/edward-gibbon-710_arms_the-dark-cloud-which-had-been-cleared-by_1084745.jpg)
![“What's going to be important is having the opportunity to actually sit down with President [Donald] Trump and talk to him face to face, about the interests we share, about the special relationship, about the joint challenges we both face. Talking about the future of NATO is one of the issues we…” quote by Theresa May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/600/theresa-may-2801_challenges_what-s-going-to-be-important-is-having-t_236608.jpg)
