Foreign Policy Centre

The Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) is a British think tank specialising in foreign policy. It was formed in 1998 and launched by Tony Blair with the aim of developing a "vision of a fair and rule-based world order". It is pro-European. It has its origins on the centre-left of British politics, but works with all political parties. The late Robin Cook, the former British Foreign Secretary was the FPC's founding President.

Through their research, publications and events they promote:

*"Effective multilateral solutions to global problems"
*"Democratic and well-governed states as the foundation of order and development"
*"Partnerships with the private sector to deliver public goods"
*"Support for progressive policy through effective public diplomacy"
*"Inclusive definitions of citizenship to underpin internationalist policies." ref|

The FPC has hosted numerous events, featuring speakers from the world of politics, journalism, academia and civil society. Some notable names include Tony Blair, David Cameron, David Miliband, Paddy Ashdown, Hilary Benn, Peter Mandelson, Chinese State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan and former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov.

The FPC has also produced many influential publications, on subjects ranging from the future of Europe and international security to identity and the role of non-state actors in policymaking. They include 'After Multiculturalism' by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, 'The Post-Modern State and the World Order' by Robert Cooper, 'Network Europe' and 'Public Diplomacy' by Mark Leonard, 'Brand China' by Joshua Cooper Ramo, 'Voices from Iran' by Alex Bigham and 'A Global Alliance for Global Values' by Tony Blair.

The FPC, in conjunction with Channel 4 Television, set up an independent, cross-party Commission in 2007 tasked with producing a blueprint for Britain's future involvement in Iraq. The Iraq Commission Report was launched in a special programme on Saturday 14 July at 7.30 pm, televised on Channel 4, a first for a British think tank. The Commission was chaired by Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, Baroness Jay of Paddington and Lord King of Bridgwater.

The FPC has connections to the British Labour Party though works with all political parties. The current director (appointed in August 2005) is former Labour MP and minister Stephen Twigg.

References

# cite web | title=About Us | url=http://fpc.org.uk/about/ | accessdaymonth= 7 August | accessyear=2005

ee also

*List of UK think tanks

External links

* [http://fpc.org.uk/ The Foreign Policy Centre]
* [http://politics.guardian.co.uk/thinktanks/page/0,,566241,00.html Guardian Unlimited: Profile]