Call it the Miliband doctrine. Let’s hope the new Israeli settlement boycott is just the start
This week’s move suggests that, even in the age of Trump, Britain will once again have an ‘ethical dimension’ to its foreign policy. That’s good for the world
TL;DR
- Ed Miliband has introduced economic sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, building a 12-nation coalition.
- This action is described as a potential successor to Robin Cook's "ethical foreign policy" from almost 30 years ago.
- The sanctions target those financing illegal settlements, potentially impacting Israeli banks and citizens.
- The UK is leading new diplomatic coalitions, moving away from sole reliance on the US, especially during the Trump era.
- Key challenges for Britain's progressive international role include foreign aid, the Ukraine conflict, and the conflict in Sudan.
- The article suggests a "rupture" in the international rules-based order, necessitating cooperation among middle powers.
- Past attempts at an "ethical foreign policy" faced challenges when conflicting with realpolitik, but Miliband's approach is seen as having an "ethical dimension".