In this episode of CSS Breakdown: Book by Book, Season 06, Episode 09, from Norman Lowe's Mastering Modern British History, we delve into Chapter 9, focusing on Lord Palmerston's remarkable career and his approach to foreign affairs between 1830 and 1865. Listeners can expect to explore how Palmerston, a leading figure in 19th-century British politics, navigated complex international crises, often with a high-handed and belligerent style that nevertheless resonated with the British public. We examine the core principles that guided his policy—primarily the unwavering defense of British interests and prestige abroad—and how he masterfully used the press to enlist public support across all social classes. The episode highlights his significant diplomatic triumphs, such as ensuring Belgian independence, managing the Eastern Question to curb Russian expansion without war, and supporting Italian unification. We also discuss his later setbacks, including the Polish revolution and the Schleswig-Holstein affair, which exposed the limitations of British power and his misjudgments towards emerging figures like Bismarck. This episode illuminates the paradox of his enduring popularity despite his controversial methods and highlights how his foreign policy, centered on national interests, shaped Britain's role on the world stage for decades.