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The Future of Foreign Policy

Each year the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) invites a prominent figure to deliver the MacCormick European Lecture. On Friday 7 August, Rt Hon Baroness Catherine Ashton GCMG PC, will deliver the 2020 MacCormick Lecture entitled "The Future of Foreign Policy".

Seasoned diplomats say that they have never known so many issues that need to be addressed.

As Britain moves from the formal structures of Europe to the more informal this is an opportunity to reflect on the future of foreign policy and how best to address the issues that most concern us – climate change, pandemics, nuclear proliferation and war. Crises have affected the lives of millions, many of whom seek a better life free from fear.

How should we respond? Do we have the leadership we need to respond effectively? How does Scotland develop its contribution to determining the priorities we should address in the future and the way we should work together?