shadetreeinc.com – Boris Johnson’s tenure as the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2018 was a pivotal period in British foreign policy, as it coincided with one of the most turbulent chapters in modern UK political history—the post-Brexit landscape. His role in this capacity involved not only representing the UK on the global stage but also navigating the complex political, diplomatic, and economic ramifications of the country’s decision to leave the European Union.
As one of the UK’s most high-profile politicians, Boris Johnson’s time as Foreign Secretary was marked by bold rhetoric, significant diplomatic outreach, and, at times, controversy. His leadership in foreign affairs was closely tied to the overarching narrative of Brexit, shaping the United Kingdom’s approach to global relationships, trade agreements, and its role in international institutions.
In this article, we explore Boris Johnson’s tenure as Foreign Secretary, his key achievements, challenges, and the impact he made on British diplomacy during a turbulent period in the nation’s history.
Appointment as Foreign Secretary
1. The Brexit Context
Boris Johnson was appointed Foreign Secretary by Prime Minister Theresa May in July 2016, following the resignation of Philip Hammond, who had taken on the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer. This appointment came at a time of significant national division after the Brexit referendum in June 2016, in which the UK voted to leave the European Union. Johnson, a key figure in the Leave campaign, had played a prominent role in advocating for Brexit, and his appointment to the Foreign Secretary role was seen as both a reward and a strategic move by Theresa May to unite the Conservative Party.
Johnson’s appointment was widely viewed as an important step in the UK’s diplomatic future, particularly with respect to how the country would handle its relationships with the rest of the world post-Brexit. At the time of his appointment, Johnson was known for his charisma, energetic speeches, and controversial views, making him a polarizing figure both in the UK and internationally.
2. A Period of Change in Foreign Policy
The immediate task for Johnson as Foreign Secretary was to help steer the UK’s foreign policy through the challenges of Brexit. The UK’s departure from the EU raised questions about the country’s relationships with both European countries and the broader international community. Johnson was tasked with advocating for Britain’s interests, ensuring the UK’s continued engagement with global institutions, and making sure the country was not sidelined as it navigated the uncertainties of Brexit.
In this capacity, Johnson’s role was critical in helping the UK reposition itself on the global stage, trying to secure post-Brexit trade deals, maintain strong diplomatic ties with allies, and balance the competing demands of both national sovereignty and international cooperation.
Key Achievements as Foreign Secretary
1. Brexit and Global Diplomacy
One of Johnson’s most significant challenges as Foreign Secretary was managing the diplomatic fallout from the Brexit vote, both within Europe and beyond. While Johnson’s main focus was on securing a favorable post-Brexit relationship with the European Union, his broader remit also involved strengthening ties with the rest of the world.
Building Relationships with Non-EU Nations
After the Brexit vote, Johnson led the UK’s efforts to establish stronger relationships with non-EU countries. He placed significant emphasis on rebuilding ties with long-standing allies, such as the United States and Canada, as well as forging new relationships with emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. A key part of his strategy was the pursuit of new trade agreements and diplomatic partnerships that would benefit the UK in a post-EU world.
Johnson made high-profile visits to countries such as India, Japan, and the United States, seeking to enhance trade and economic cooperation, as well as deepen diplomatic and security ties. His efforts to secure a post-Brexit trade deal with Japan were seen as a triumph in terms of positioning the UK as an active player in global affairs, despite its departure from the EU.
2. Managing Relations with the European Union
While Johnson’s support for Brexit had initially put him at odds with other senior EU officials, as Foreign Secretary he was tasked with managing the UK’s divorce negotiations with the European Union. His tenure as Foreign Secretary came at a time when the UK was in the midst of negotiating the terms of its exit from the EU and shaping its future relationship with the bloc.
Though his relationship with EU counterparts was sometimes strained due to his outspoken pro-Brexit stance, Johnson played an essential role in the negotiation process. He worked to convey the UK’s position on issues such as trade, immigration, regulations, and financial services. He was often seen as the UK’s most visible advocate for the principles of Brexit, seeking to balance the nation’s interests with the need to maintain important alliances and trade relationships.
3. Humanitarian and Global Development Efforts
As Foreign Secretary, Johnson was also responsible for the UK’s international development policy and its role in global humanitarian efforts. During his tenure, the UK continued to be one of the world’s largest contributors to international development, particularly in areas like global health, education, and poverty alleviation. Johnson advocated for the UK’s aid budget and pushed for greater international collaboration on issues such as climate change, human rights, and gender equality.
One of Johnson’s notable accomplishments in this area was his leadership on the international response to the Syrian civil war and the refugee crisis. The UK was one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to Syria, and Johnson used his position to rally global support for relief efforts and the rebuilding of war-torn regions. He also worked to promote greater accountability in the international community regarding human rights abuses and the importance of upholding international law.
4. The Iran Nuclear Deal and Middle East Diplomacy
Johnson’s role in Middle East diplomacy was also significant during his time as Foreign Secretary. A key issue in this region was the ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA). While the UK was a signatory to the deal, Johnson faced the delicate task of balancing UK policy with the shifting positions of other powers, especially in light of the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the JCPOA in 2018.
Despite the challenges, Johnson continued to support the deal in principle, arguing that it was crucial for international security. He also played a role in trying to prevent further escalation between Iran and Western nations, calling for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving tensions in the region. This approach was consistent with his broader philosophy of prioritizing diplomatic solutions over military intervention, though his tenure also saw the continued volatility of the Middle East.
Challenges and Criticisms
1. Handling the Brexit Debate within Government
Although Johnson’s Brexit advocacy made him a key figure in the Leave campaign, his appointment as Foreign Secretary came at a time when the UK’s future relationship with the EU was deeply contested. Johnson’s disagreements with Prime Minister May over the direction of Brexit policy were well-publicized, and the differences between the two led to tension within the Conservative Party. Johnson’s calls for a harder Brexit and his critical stance on May’s Chequers plan eventually led to his resignation in 2018, further highlighting the challenges he faced within his own government.
2. Relations with Allies and Critics
While Johnson sought to strengthen the UK’s relationships with allies, his tenure was also marked by moments of diplomatic friction. His outspoken nature and tendency to make controversial statements often created tension, particularly with EU leaders and other international counterparts. Some critics argued that his rhetoric, particularly on issues related to immigration and global trade, undermined the UK’s efforts to maintain strong alliances and to project a more diplomatic, cohesive foreign policy.
Legacy as Foreign Secretary
Boris Johnson’s time as Foreign Secretary was defined by both his achievements and the controversies that surrounded him. On the one hand, he helped position the UK as an active player in global affairs post-Brexit, securing trade deals and advocating for humanitarian causes. His efforts in global diplomacy, trade relationships, and international development have had a lasting impact on the UK’s foreign policy agenda.
On the other hand, his leadership style, marked by his combative rhetoric and blunt approach, alienated some allies and contributed to ongoing tensions within the government. His resignation as Foreign Secretary in 2018 was a key turning point in his political career, but it also marked the beginning of his path to becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, Boris Johnson’s tenure as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs was marked by his ability to balance the priorities of Brexit with the need for strong global diplomacy. His legacy in this role reflects both his ambition to reassert the UK’s global standing and the complexities of navigating an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.