The chapter explores the United Kingdom’s evolving role in the international system as a descending power following a century of relative economic, political, and military decline. Notwithstanding its diminished hard power capabilities, however, London retains significant global standing—and the boxing metaphor “punching above its weight” continues to define Britain’s outsized leverage within the international system. The authors argue that Britain’s grand strategy hinges on projecting power through symbolic status markers, multilateral engagement, and a reliance on soft power resources like diplomacy, cultural influence, and leadership within international institutions. The chapter analyzes key phases in British foreign policy—from Cold War subordination toward the USA, through post-Cold War liberal interventionism and later Brexit, to the contemporary era characterized by great power rivalry. The authors conclude that the UK’s future influence requires pragmatic and less ideological thinking and a realistic appraisal of its strengths and limitations.