Beyond the Rock and the Reef: Britain’s Overseas Territories in Transition.

This presentation delves into the shifting geopolitics of Britain’s Overseas Territories, spotlighting Gibraltar and the Chagos Islands. Recent negotiations with Spain and Mauritius signal a new phase in long-standing sovereignty disputes, raising questions about identity, autonomy, and international law. Beyond diplomacy, the territories play a role in the UK’s global strategy—economically, militarily, and politically. Yet tensions persist: constitutional strains and calls for greater self-determination challenge the status quo. Looking ahead, the presentation explores how these relationships might evolve over the next two decades, shaped by global power shifts, legal pressures, and the enduring legacy of empire.