Introduction: Interpreting British Foreign Policy

Abstract

This special issue collects together a series of essays that investigate the analytical possibilities offered to the study of British foreign policy by the interpretive approach to political science and international relations. The interpretive approach concentrates on the beliefs of various policy actors, the meanings of their actions, and, crucially, explains the beliefs by locating them in historical traditions and as responses to dilemmas. It highlights the contingency, diversity, and contestability of the beliefs, narratives, and expertise that inform political action. This interpretive approach is widespread in the study of governance and domestic policy (Bevir and Rhodes 2003, 2006 and 2010; Bevir et al. 2003; Dudley 2003; Richards and Smith 2004; Irazabal 2005; Orr 2005, 2009; Craig 2006; Monro 2006; Morrell 2006; Stoker 2006; Bevir and Trentmann 2007; Clark and Gains 2007; Finlayson 2008; Jose 2007; Rhodes et al. 2007; Sullivan 2007; Yi-Chong and Weller 2007; Bache and Catney 2008; Dinham and Lowndes 2008; Wood et al. 2008; Bevir and Richards 2009; O’Brien et al. 2009; Orr and Vince 2009; Bevir 2010; Booth 2010; Edwards 2011; Kenny 2010; Krueger and Gibbs 2010; Richards and Mathers 2010; and for earlier critical discussions in this journal see Finlayson 2004; Marsh 2008).