Introduction: Interpreting British Foreign Policy

This special issue collects together a series of essays that investigate the analytical possibilities offered to the study of British foreign policy by the interpretive approach to political science and international relations.The interpretive approach concentrates on the beliefs of various policy actors, the meanings of their actions, and, crucially, explains the beliefs by locating them in historical traditions and as responses to dilemmas.It highlights the contingency, diversity, and contestability of the beliefs, narratives, and expertise that inform political action.This interpretive approach is widespread in the study of governance and domestic policy (