The Role and Future of British Diplomatic Posts.

British overseas posts are a frequently forgotten part of the British state, yet they play an important role in domestic British politics and foreign policy. This paper, while providing analysis of the current overall role and structure of HM Diplomatic Service, will concentrate mainly upon the work outside London in High Commissions, Embassies and Consulates. The paper will explore the role performed by these posts detailing their contribution to British politics and policy making. In doing so the paper will outline how posts are typically run and provide a critique of how they are coping with three broad challenges. The first being ?Europeanisation? with increased co-operation between EU member state posts, competition from a growing EU diplomatic presence and questions over the role of UK diplomatic posts within EU member states. Secondly, domestic changes within Britain such as devolution, reform of Whitehall, growing financial constraints, management reforms, visa and immigration issues, accountability to Parliament, and the growing role of Downing Street in foreign policy. Finally, global challenges such as state failure, the war on terror, new security threats, public diplomacy and technological changes. The paper will conclude with further discussion about the possibility of increased EU cooperation and the need for improved links between overseas posts and the wider Whitehall beyond the Foreign Office. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]