Always at War: British Public Narratives of War

This book examines the stories told by British society about their country's past, present, and future role in war, using in-depth interviews with 67 diverse citizens. It highlights the voices of ordinary people and presents an alternative case to US public opinion research, suggesting that British citizens see their nation as continuously at war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2021
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Compelling narratives play a vital role in successful foreign policy, military strategy, and international relations. However, the concept of narrative can sometimes be so broad that it becomes challenging to pinpoint its essence. The formation of strategic narratives is influenced by the stories governments believe their people tell, rather than the actual narratives they convey. This book delves into the stories told by a diverse cross-section of British society regarding their country's past, present, and future role in war. Through in-depth interviews with 67 individuals, it brings to the forefront the voices of ordinary people, often overlooked in public opinion research.

Always at War complements a substantial body of quantitative research into British attitudes toward war and presents an alternative perspective in a field primarily dominated by US public opinion research. Rather than viewing distinct periods between war and peace, British citizens perceive their nation as consistently engaged in conflict, leading them to consider their country as perpetually at war. Presently, public opinion holds greater sway over Western defense policy than ever before.

This book offers valuable insights into the narratives shaping British attitudes toward war and sheds light on the perspectives of ordinary citizens. It challenges the notion that public opinion is solely influenced by elite narratives and highlights the importance of including diverse voices in the discourse on war and security. By examining the stories told by British society, this book contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of international relations and the role of narratives in shaping public opinion and policy.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472038695