Between a Rock and a Hard Place: British Disarmament Foreign Policy at the World Disarmament Conference in 1931-1934
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Linnanmaa L10
Topic of the dissertation
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: British Disarmament Foreign Policy at the World Disarmament Conference in 1931-1934
Doctoral candidate
Master of Arts, Graduate diploma in international relations Anne-Maria Fenner
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Humanities, History
Subject of study
History
Opponent
Professor Juhana Aunesluoma, University of Helsinki
Custos
Professor Kari Alenius, University of Oulu
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: British Disarmament Foreign Policy at the World Disarmament Conference in 1931-1934
The title illustrates the diplomatic dilemma faced by the British government when it found itself caught between two opposing and incompatible stances, specifically those of France and Germany.
The objective of this study was to examine Great Britain's foreign policy regarding disarmament during the World Disarmament Conference. The study sought to identify and analyse the various changes and stages that occurred in this policy between January 1931 and June 1934. The study examines the underlying reasons for the occurrence of these shifts throughout the conference. Ultimately, the objective is to demonstrate the rationale for the implementation of measures and the underlying justifications for these acts.
The findings revealed that the fundamental principles underlying the British disarmament foreign policy were appeasement, a cautious approach of "wait and see," and a deliberate avoidance of accountability in the event of failure.
On two occasions, the British altered their support from France to Germany in order to counterbalance German influence in Geneva. The British stance elicited dissatisfaction from both the Germans and the French. During the deliberations on disarmament, the primary concern for the British delegation revolved around the imperative of preventing a confrontation between France and Germany. Such a clash would inevitably lead to the termination of the negotiations, extinguishing all prospects of achieving a fruitful convention.
When examining the variables that contributed to the British policy, it becomes evident that a widening disparity existed between Britain's capabilities and its domestic and imperial obligations. Britain serves as a prime illustration of strategic overextension and susceptibility.
Furthermore, it can be observed that the British government had voluntarily engaged in the disarmament process and had significantly decreased its military budget. The applied approach entails the utilisation of the historical research method for analysing aspects of diplomatic history, employing qualitative content analysis.
Furthermore, the analysis of this conference incorporates the perspectives of Foreign Policy Analysis and the French School of International History. These frameworks delve into the examination of profound forces. The World Disarmament Conference serves as a significant historical reference for understanding the complexities and challenges of multilateral negotiations. The League of Nations' work established the linkage between disarmament and security which is carried out by the United Nations. The epilogue gives references to two modern and successful multilateral agreements.
The objective of this study was to examine Great Britain's foreign policy regarding disarmament during the World Disarmament Conference. The study sought to identify and analyse the various changes and stages that occurred in this policy between January 1931 and June 1934. The study examines the underlying reasons for the occurrence of these shifts throughout the conference. Ultimately, the objective is to demonstrate the rationale for the implementation of measures and the underlying justifications for these acts.
The findings revealed that the fundamental principles underlying the British disarmament foreign policy were appeasement, a cautious approach of "wait and see," and a deliberate avoidance of accountability in the event of failure.
On two occasions, the British altered their support from France to Germany in order to counterbalance German influence in Geneva. The British stance elicited dissatisfaction from both the Germans and the French. During the deliberations on disarmament, the primary concern for the British delegation revolved around the imperative of preventing a confrontation between France and Germany. Such a clash would inevitably lead to the termination of the negotiations, extinguishing all prospects of achieving a fruitful convention.
When examining the variables that contributed to the British policy, it becomes evident that a widening disparity existed between Britain's capabilities and its domestic and imperial obligations. Britain serves as a prime illustration of strategic overextension and susceptibility.
Furthermore, it can be observed that the British government had voluntarily engaged in the disarmament process and had significantly decreased its military budget. The applied approach entails the utilisation of the historical research method for analysing aspects of diplomatic history, employing qualitative content analysis.
Furthermore, the analysis of this conference incorporates the perspectives of Foreign Policy Analysis and the French School of International History. These frameworks delve into the examination of profound forces. The World Disarmament Conference serves as a significant historical reference for understanding the complexities and challenges of multilateral negotiations. The League of Nations' work established the linkage between disarmament and security which is carried out by the United Nations. The epilogue gives references to two modern and successful multilateral agreements.
Last updated: 2.7.2024