Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google thinks why Britain has much more global influence than it thinks. Ever since the global financial crisis, Britain has been through a difficult period, leading many to conclude the country is doomed to inevitable decline. Jeremy Hunt was at the top of government as both Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, in the last two Tory governments, and he rebuts those who think Britain is no longer capable of shaping the world we live in. There is a real urgency, in that the UK’s need for growth and security through foreign policy is clear.

Hunt writes “My definition of a great country is one that is capable of shaping the world, and not just being shaped by it”. He works through a list of global problems – security, climate change, disease, migration and so on – and evaluates how the UK might influence the outcomes. Sometimes he blithe, as in his conclusion that : in every case the UK remains one of the top ten most influential countries on the planet”.

Hunt presents scores of tips for how governments could make the most of the UK’s strengths. His best points are on security and defence, where the UK has found a way to work closely with the US and Europe. He is also good on the “middle power” relationships that the UK has reinforced since Brexit, including with India, Japan and the Gulf. He appear glib in recounting past successes, from military intervention in Sierra Leone and vaccine development to AI giant DeepMind.

Beijing really wants its new embassy in the UK to be housed in the old Royal Mint building, but the White House, wants the UK to reject this because the vast communications cable running under the site near the Tower of London carry the City’s data. The possible security risks associated with buying Chinese wind farm technology is another difficult decision Number 10 is facing.

With the election of President Trump, a world that was already becoming more dangerous has also become more unpredictable. But when it comes to big challenges facing the world- whether on European security, the future of democracy, migration, trade or climate – the UK remains one of the most influential countries. If we want the world to remain safe and free, now is the time for countries with influence to use it wisely.

Can We Be Great Again? Why a Dangerous World Needs Britain by Jeremy Hunt, Swift £25, 304 pages.