United Kingdom | British Council

Measuring soft power in an age of destruction: Why trust matters, and why its character matters more

The question of trust in soft power has never been more urgent or more complex. Three leading scholars reflect on what this means today.

Education as soft power: Why the UK’s International Education Strategy matters

What is the connection between UK schools, colleges, universities, and global influence? Hear from Michael Peak on the recent publication of the UK's International Education Strategy.

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Language Trends Scotland 2025-26

Language Trends Scotland 2025-26 offers an in‑depth picture of modern language teaching and learning across Scottish schools and forms part of the established UK-wide Language Trends series.

Cultural Mobility and Connection: Ireland and the Four Nations of the UK

This report explores UK-Ireland arts and cultural connections. It makes suggestions to drive growth, insight and partnerships in the cultural ecosystem between Ireland and the four nations.

The impact of international study on perceptions

As more countries invest in global education, how can the UK maintain its advantage? This article examines what the latest Global Perceptions 2025 data means for the UK’s future influence.

Workshop participants lying on the floor in star shaped patterns

Building trust through playing unwinnable games: a carrier bag story

Reflections on a British Council international research fellowship.

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Resilience in precarious times: early career researchers driving global collaboration

Reflections on international research collaboration through the ISPF Resilient Planet Symposium.

Looking through a stained glass window to European rooftops

UK cultural diplomacy in Europe 1989-2025

A research collaboration to inform UK soft power strategy.

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Holding a space for plurality: reflections from the Development Studies Association Conference (2025)

Explore insights gathered from our Research Engagement Manager, Sarah Huxley, at the Development Studies Association annual conference (June 2025).

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Language Trends England 2025

Language Trends England 2025 surveyed teachers at more than 1,000 primary, secondary and independent schools to provide an up-to-date picture of language education in England.