We are Family Tensions and Connections in UK–UK Overseas Territories relations

The UK Overseas Territories are at the intersection of geopolitical tensions. Evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry provided a window into the state of the relationship between the UK and its territories. It revealed a significant shift to a shared framing of ‘family’ that also has tensions over rights, responsibilities and equity. Nichola Harmer and Matthew Benwell trace the deployment of these familial metaphors during the inquiry and highlight how these tensions are partly inherent in the relationship’s structural conditions and exacerbated by geopolitical challenges.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
The RUSI Journal
Published
2026-09-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/03071847.2026.2725573
Primary Topic
Island Studies and Pacific Affairs
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

We are Family Tensions and Connections in UK–UK Overseas Territories relations

Nichola Harmer, Matthew C. Benwell
The RUSI Journal
Island Studies and Pacific Affairs
article

We are Family Tensions and Connections in UK–UK Overseas Territories relations

Nichola Harmer, Matthew C. Benwell
article en

Abstract

The UK Overseas Territories are at the intersection of geopolitical tensions. Evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry provided a window into the state of the relationship between the UK and its territories. It revealed a significant shift to a shared framing of ‘family’ that also has tensions over rights, responsibilities and equity. Nichola Harmer and Matthew Benwell trace the deployment of these familial metaphors during the inquiry and highlight how these tensions are partly inherent in the relationship’s structural conditions and exacerbated by geopolitical challenges.

The RUSI Journal
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Island Studies and Pacific Affairs
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