The Tory world: deep history and the Tory theme in British foreign policy

摘要

This timely book explores Tory foreign policy in Britain at two levels: at the surface of events and through 'deep history' over the longue duree - from the later Stuarts to the present - in order to identify significant continuities and change. The editor defines 'deep history' as 'the long-term, seemingly inherent assumptions, the emotions of policy, that help create the context for the politics of the shorter-term'. Deep history also comprises the actions of individual statesmen (and women) in response to the pressure of events. The application of 'deep history' here results in a revealing set of essays, including a two-page contribution on 'Disraeli and foreign policy' by Douglas Hurd, a former foreign secretary. Almost all draw on a wealth of private papers in local and national record offices, a rich source for the discrete expression of opinion on which the success of 'deep history' depends.