The UK and International Institutions

The United Kingdom plays an active role in international affairs and is a member of several important international organisations. Understanding these relationships helps explain Britain's place in the world.

The United Nations The UK is a founding member of the United Nations (UN), established in 1945. It holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council—one of only five countries with this status. This gives the UK significant influence in matters of international peace and security.

NATO The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance of countries from North America and Europe. The UK is a founding member (1949) and remains committed to the alliance's principle of collective defence—an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

The Commonwealth The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of 56 countries, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire. King Charles III is Head of the Commonwealth. Member nations cooperate on issues including trade, development, and human rights. Major Commonwealth countries include Australia, Canada, India, and South Africa.

Other International Bodies The UK is a member of the G7 (group of major economies), the G20, the World Trade Organization, and many other international bodies. Until 2020, the UK was a member of the European Union.

International Influence Through its history, language, and international connections, the UK continues to exercise global influence in diplomacy, culture, and trade.