Insight article | British Council

United Nations COVID-19 Response cartoon of people from different countries all wearing face masks bearing national flags – representing how COVID-19 is a global problem

COVID-19 and soft power

Amidst an international public health crisis made more complicated by escalating great power rivalries we consider the implications of COVID-19 for the soft power of China, the USA and UK.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, New South Wales, Australia.

The UK and Australia: Old friendships, new opportunities

The British Council’s Chief Executive in conversation with Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK on culture, trade and the future of the relationship between these two nations.

Female teacher guiding happy boys and girls in South Africa

A role for tertiary education in girls’ basic education

Forthcoming British Council research explores the role of tertiary education in equitable and sustainable development, including its support for basic education.

How can international education collaboration address the employment shocks caused by COVID-19?

We examine the latest research on TVET impacts which indicates that international collaboration on education system reform around the skills sector is required to meet future challenges.

View of roads and green spaces from the Victory Column in Berlin, Germany

Germany: the future of the past

Director Germany, Paul Smith shares his insights of the country and explores how the past informs the views and hopes of the next generations.

Band performing at British Council event

COVID-19: impact and innovation in the Americas arts and culture sector

In the third part of our arts and cultural COVID-19 series, we explore how the arts and cultural sector across the Americas are responding to the pandemic.

An image of the Forth Bridge, Scotland, UK

The UK is the most attractive country in the G20

The UK tops the world as the most attractive country for young people across the G20.

Pasig River Art for Urban Change: 'Anak Ka Ng' by Ralph Eya and children from Hospicio de San Jose. We are proud to partner with Metro Manila Development Authority in promoting creative use of public space and reviving the Philippine capital's important transportation route and water source.

Creative innovation in the East Asia arts and culture sector

In the second of a series of articles on the international impact of COVID-19 on the arts and cultural sector, we consider the experience in East Asia.

Man looking at burnt down factory in conflict zone

Developing young people’s resilience to violent extremism

The UK is taking a leading role in contributing to our understanding of the complex question of how to prevent violent extremism. We examine a new report with evidence from leading experts.

Soft power and COVID-19

Mona Lotten, Head of Policy Insight at the British Council discusses the impact of COVID-19 on soft power relationships with Jonathan McClory, Portland.