Great Britain and the Maghreb in the Epoch of Pan Arabism and Cold War

Abstract

This article provides an analysis of Britain's relations with the states of the French Maghreb during the early years of pan-Arabism and the Cold War. Its main argument is that despite the process of disengagement from empire the British sought to benefit from what these states could offer. Britain's commitment to the defence of Europe and its collaboration in the Cold War campaign necessitated a considerable degree of influence in the region. Despite occasional friction, the British skilfully managed to maintain cordial relations with these states and to secure their commercial interests there without offending the French.