Niall Ferguson, in his book "The British Empire," suggests that the British political elite struggled to come to terms with the dissolution of the empire following the war. While the socialist intellectuals may have recognized the necessity of this change, the political leaders often viewed it as a loss rather than a required transition. They clung to the belief that the empire was integral to Britain's identity and strength, making acceptance of its demise challenging.

This resistance to the idea of relinquishing colonial power highlights a broader disconnect within the British elite regarding the future of the nation. The political class, unlike some intellectuals, often focused on the empire as a symbol of national pride and influence, which inhibited their ability to adapt to post-war realities. This tension reflects the complexities of post-imperial identity and the difficulty of reconciling past glories with present circumstances.