allot of diplomatic power you mentioned is partly a product of being a colonial power (and having drawn up post war treaty's) and also cynical island ideaology (?maybe?).
We brits are pretty warey of people but also fairly diplomatic at the same time - kind of liberal conservatism is that can exist (maybe just diplomatic).
With allot of multinational business interests it both puts you in a position of power and also demands you be in one or lose what youhave gained.
I think the Uk is in a pretty positive situation (though i am not a massive fan of T
and mixed optinions in a country aren't always a bad thing.