Foreign affairs: relations with Europe, including the impact of the Single European Act and Maastricht Treaty; interventions in the Balkans; contribution and attitude to the end of the Cold War
Between 1979 and 1997, Britain shaped and then clashed with European integration. British governments also helped end the Cold War and sent troops into the Balkans to stop ethnic conflict.
Real World
John Major committed British troops to Bosnia in 1992 as part of a UN peacekeeping force, but their rules of engagement prevented them from stopping the Sarajevo siege — a real-world example of the limits of humanitarian intervention without political will.
Exam Focus
When answering on Maastricht, specify what Britain opted out of (single currency and Social Chapter) to demonstrate precise knowledge rather than vague coverage.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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