ABSTRACT This analysis challenges the traditional approach to studying the creation of foreign policy within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office [FCO]. Whilst most historical and contemporary research has focused upon the role of the foreign secretary, permanent under-secretary, and senior overseas representatives, this exegesis argues that an overlooked department – the Policy Planning Staff and its contemporary successor, the Policy Unit – has had significant influence over the debate and direction of British foreign policy. Drawing upon documents received under the Freedom of Information Act, archival documents, and interviews conducted with current and previous members of the Staff and the wider FCO, it reveals the rationale for the planning department, its roles, structure, staffing, and influence on foreign policy over time. It concludes that the department has been, and remains, a crucial part of the policy-making process and, therefore, warrants further attention from historians and those interested in contemporary foreign policy analysis.

中文翻译：

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政策规划人员在英国外交政策中的作用：历史教训和当代见解

摘要 该分析挑战了在外交和联邦事务部 [FCO] 内研究外交政策制定的传统方法。虽然大多数历史和当代研究都集中在外交大臣、常任副国务卿和高级海外代表的作用上，但本释经认为，一个被忽视的部门——政策规划人员及其当代继任者——政策部门——发挥了重要作用。对英国外交政策的辩论和方向的影响。根据《信息自由法》收到的文件、档案文件以及对现任和前任工作人员和更广泛的 FCO 进行的采访，它揭示了规划部门的基本原理、其作用、结构、人员配备以及对外国的影响随着时间的推移政策。