When this book was originally published in 1974 it was the most comprehensive account yet published of British foreign policy from the end of World War II until the entry of Britian into the European Economic Community in 1973. It discusses British relations with Europe, the development of the special relationship with the USA, British policy in the Middle East and British defence policy. The book stresses the influence of economic factors, especially the domestic economy and Britain's international economic position, on the country's foreign policy.