Mark Currier

Profile

I am currently researching Tony Blair’s use of the Cabinet system in times of conflict, examining the three levels of collective decision-making; bilateral discussions between departments, Cabinet committees and the Cabinet. With particular emphasis on the Iraq war, my research explores whether Blair followed post-1945 precedent in his use of the Cabinet system in the run-up to, and during, conflict and whether it was consistent with his broader style of decision-making across the policy spectrum. Although principally an historical project, my research also engages with the broader literature on the Cabinet system within the field of political science. My ambition is to demonstrate that case studies of Blair’s conflict management can offer valuable insight for broader scholarly understanding of prime ministers and the Cabinet system.

Research