Since we think that the external rise of a country is essentially an extension of its internal strength, we should first explore the factors of its rise from its internal.
1, unique geographical location. Britain's geographical position is particularly accurate in the book Sea Power written by Mahan, an American military scientist and representative of sea power theory: if a country is in such a geographical position, it does not need to be forced to defend itself on land, nor will it be tempted to expand its territory on land, then it has an advantage over countries surrounded by land because it faces the sea unilaterally. Because Britain is not far from the European continent, it can avoid disputes in the European continent, freely carry out domestic development, freely enter and leave the high seas, and effectively control an important traffic channel-the English Channel. All kinds of advantages make Britain's geographical position unique.
2. A stable political environment. Britain's stable political environment can enable Britain to maintain the continuity of domestic policies, but it can also realize the country's long-term development strategy without changing the country's policies with political turmoil. Britain first established a constitutional system. 1688 The constitutional monarchy established after the glorious revolution is called "the mother of parliament". The establishment and stability of the political system escort the domestic development. In addition, Britain has the characteristics of an island country, implemented a gradual and continuous policy, paid attention to customs and traditions, and formed an unsuccessful constitution. It is these characteristics that make Britain avoid radical changes like the French Revolution.
3. Domestic accumulation, mercantilism and colonization. Britain's development from a small island country to an enduring empire is actually an extension of its internal strength. Britain completed the industrial revolution in 65438+60s, and accumulated a large number of industrial products in China. At the same time, because of Britain's small territory and shortage of resources, it is in urgent need of cheap raw material producing areas and broad commodity markets-colonies. However, the British colonies are very different from those of Portugal and Spain. The idea of British economic development quickly developed from monetary balance theory to trade balance theory, from naked gold and silver plunder to economic growth through trade exchange of goods. Therefore, the most direct purpose of Britain's foreign expansion is to open the markets of colonial countries and conduct free trade with Britain.
(2) The external factors of Britain's rise and its foreign policy analysis. It has been said that a truly great nation will never disdain to play a secondary role on the international stage, even a first-class role on the international stage, but it must be a unique role. Let's discuss the unique factors of Britain on the international stage.
The role of offshore balancer. Mahan wrote in his masterpiece "The Influence of Sea Power on History": "Britain's dominant position is mainly because it can play a decisive role as a third party and balancer in disputes. All of Britain's capabilities are due to the fact that the location of the island country has greatly strengthened its defense capabilities, enabling it to concentrate on developing industry and commerce and avoid the nuisance of war. " This coincides with the view of Mearsheimer, an offensive realist in the theory of international relations, in his masterpiece The Tragedy of Great Power Politics: both Britain and the United States have played the role of "offshore balance hands" in international relations.
China's foreign policy of balance of power. British historian Tasbus once said: No matter what tragicomedy is staged in Europe, the balance of power is always the key. Britain's continental balance of power policy is mainly manifested in maintaining and controlling two groups with roughly equal strength, so as to avoid Europe being dominated and controlled by any big country or group of countries. When the situation is relatively stable or uncertain, Britain tries to maintain a "detached" attitude towards European affairs and give support to its opponents when the balance of power is destroyed or seriously threatened. Louis XIV and Napoleon in the history challenged the balance of power in France, and William Germany and Hitler in the history challenged the hegemony in Europe, but they all failed without exception, largely because of the balance of power policy in Britain.