United Kingdom » International Relations

The United Kingdom Relations with International Community

The United Kingdom is a major player in international politics, with interests throughout the world. The former British Empire, notably through its successor, the Commonwealth of Nations, links the UK with many of the world's nations in one way or another. The UK has also exported its parliamentary style government, legal and financial systems, and language throughout the world.

The UK has varied relationships with the countries that make up the Commonwealth of Nations which originated from the British Empire. The Queen is the head of the Commonwealth and is head of 16 of its 53 member states. Those that retain the Queen as head of state are called Commonwealth Realms. The UK works closely with the government of the Republic of Ireland in areas concerning the peace process in Northern Ireland.

The UK maintains two sovereign area military bases on the island of Cyprus. The UK is also a signatory to a treaty with Greece and Turkey concerning the independence of Cyprus. The UK was once a dominant colonial power in many countries on the continent of Africa. Nowadays the UK as lead member of the Commonwealth of Nations seeks to influence Africa through its foreign policies.