Dangerous Illusions - English Nationalism and British Foreign Relations in Modern History

This book offers a fresh analysis of how English nationalism—often obscured to preserve the unity of the United Kingdom and until recently, the Empire—has shaped Britain’s international relations from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Drawing on extensive archival and published sources, this book traces the development of English national identity and its influence on major global conflicts, including the World Wars, the Cold War, the 'war on terror,' and Brexit. It challenges conventional diplomatic histories by revealing how nationalism, race, and irrational forces have shaped foreign policy decisions. Engaging with key historiographical debates, the author exposes how historical narratives have often reinforced Englishness through selective use of official records. This original and accessible work will appeal to scholars and students of British and international history, as well as readers interested in nationalism, diplomacy, and the making of modern Britain.