Once a nation that ruled half the globe, Britain now finds itself in an age where power is negotiated, rather than imposed. An era of imperialism has given way to a more complex international order: one defined by economic strength, soft diplomatic power and strategic alliances.
As Britain heads to Johannesburg for the G20 summit this week, we must ask: is it still a global power or a participant amongst many?
Brief History of British Power
At the end of WWII, Britain stood among the victorious ‘Big Three’ powers that also comprised the Soviet Union and the United States, playing a vital role in shaping the post-war order, including the establishment of the United Nations. Since then, Britain’s legacy of leadership continued, having been a founding member of nearly every major institution: the G7 and later the G20, NATO and the World Trade Organisation, to name just a few. By 1950, the UK still accounted for 6.5 per cent of the world’s GDP.
In the decades that followed, decolonisation accelerated, and the British Empire gradually dissolved. Despite this, a footprint of soft power remained, particularly through the Commonwealth — a network of over 50 member states bound by history and diplomacy.
In 1973, Britain then joined the European Economic Community, deepening its ties with the continent, before changing course and withdrawing through Brexit in 2016. This exit was a decisive turning point: one that supposedly restored sovereignty whilst simultaneously diminishing Britain’s influence in Europe. The challenge has been to maintain global relevance outside the EU, in a world where power is increasingly defined by economic scale and dynamic diplomacy.
An Enduring Global Power?
The UK economy arguably still holds considerable strengths. For instance, its thriving creative industries contribute over £124 billion annually, creating over 2 million jobs in fields such as media and television, to fashion and music. Another key strength lies in the capital, with London being one of the financial hubs of the world. Today, it facilitates trillions in cross-border transactions and houses nearly 2.5 million jobs in banking, asset management, insurance and fintech innovation.
Aside from economic strength, Britain’s status on the world stage remains notable through its no small amount of soft power. The English language alone, spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, gives Britain a unique diplomatic and commercial advantage. The UK also boasts four of the world’s top ten universities, which attract volumes of foreign students each year. These students not only contribute over £42 billion to the economy per annum but also create lasting international connections. Many global leaders (50 since 2022) have studied in England, demonstrating how its education system continues to shape the thoughts of key policymakers across the globe.
The BBC World Service is another key argument for Britain’s soft power. Broadcast in over 40 languages to 492 million people globally every week, it has a reputation as a trusted voice and remains the primary source of news for those in regions with strict censorship or political instability. And let’s not forget the cultural exports, from London Fashion Week to the Premier League, which contribute to maintaining Britain’s influence.
The Power Shift
Despite being one of the largest economies in the world, Britain’s economy is among the slowest growing of its peers in the G20, forecast to expand just 1.1 per cent this year. With a modest population of 67 million, the UK lacks the sheer consumer base and labour force that the economic engines of other superpowers boast.
In recent years, we have also seen a decline in Britain’s diplomatic strength. Notably, the ‘special relationship’ with America has become asymmetrical. Britain is increasingly treated as a reliable partner instead of a strategic equal. The premiership of Donald Trump has only magnified this power shift. Brexit has also weakened ties to European countries, with the UK now having to negotiate separately with the EU (often on less favourable terms). A wave of new regulations and paperwork now floods British companies trying to trade with their European partners.
G20 Summit Opens Opportunities
As Starmer arrives in Johannesburg, the summit offers a test as to whether the UK can shape global policy or merely follow it. To remain relevant, Britain must start by reinforcing its greatest existing asset: soft power. Policies which aim to cut the budget allocated to vital services like the BBC World Service are becoming increasingly popular among the populist right, who claim the money is better spent elsewhere. However, the institutions and services that make up this soft power exert influence far beyond economic metrics, and continued investment in them is vital. If Britain neglects these pillars, it risks eroding the very foundations of its global standing.
At the same time, the government must bring new investment opportunities into the UK by addressing fundamental economic issues. These include cutting red tape and easing regulations in a bid to attract foreign capital. This is of particular importance to London’s financial sector, which remains one of the nation’s strongest levers of global influence and one of its largest economic contributors. Without decisive action, the City risks losing ground to rival centres in New York, Singapore and Frankfurt. But with bold reforms, it can remain the focal point of Britain’s economic relevance.
Finally, to prove that sovereignty and prosperity can coexist, Britain must deliver on the promises of Brexit by securing progressive trade deals that extend beyond rhetoric. Only by securing new deals, forging new partnerships and providing access to new markets for British businesses can the UK prove that Brexit was more than a symbolic act of independence.
The G20 won’t settle the question of Britain’s relevance, but it’s a valuable opportunity for the UK to start reviving its global influence.
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