The Special Relationship

Background

Credit: Morton, H.V.

The ‘Special Relationship’ is a term used to describe relations between the United States and United Kingdom coined by one of the most recognizable British leaders in recent history, Winston Churchill. After a contentious century that saw two major wars, economic battle, and testy diplomacy, the US and Britain found themselves shoulder to shoulder following the US entrance into World War I. Their alliance made all the difference, ending the war with a rallying victory. It was at this juncture that the British Empire, seen as the biggest world power, began to cede influence to the burgeoning United States. While the US delayed getting involved in the second conflict, World War II, it engaged in selling allies, most importantly Britain, arms in the Lend-Lease program that provided the Allies with crucial armaments needed to continue fighting. Later, partly at the behest of Churchill himself and partly because of the Pearl Harbor attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to enter the United States into World War II on the side of the Allies. Historians have uncovered that Churchill and Roosevelt had conversations pre-Pearl Harbor that signaled Roosevelt wanted to intervene but faced strong opposition from isolationists in Congress and, more importantly, US citizens.

Results from World War II are well known. The Special Relationship flourished to greater heights as the US helped rebuild Europe through the Marshall Plan which sought to rebuild but also rebuff advancing Soviet interests in Europe. The US and Britain became the first line of defense against the Soviets in what would become known as the Cold War, creating the North Atlantic Treatise Organization, or NATO, which stands strong to this day and provides the basis of US alliances. Intensely close leaders of both nations have cemented The Special Relationship including contemporaries Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher (dubbed the ‘Iron Lady’), Bill Clinton and Tony Blair, George W. Bush and Tony Blair, and even Barack Obama and David Cameron, the current leaders.

Relationships are not without their controversies, however, and the Special Relationship took a major blow with the US decision to invade Afghanistan and Iraq following the September 11^th, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center.

Credit: The Telegraph

The UK, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, became vocal and adamant supporters of the US plan, going one-step further by providing significant military backing to both endeavors. Over time, Blair came under intense public scrutiny to not only explain UK involvement but put a timetable on how long troops would be stationed in the two countries. Fast forward to today and there are still inquiries into Blair-Bush conversations on the wars, particularly Iraq, illustrating just how damaged one of the closest diplomatic friendships has become.

But where does the Special Relationship stand today? One US resident and one UK resident weigh in.

Military Relationship in a Post-Iraq world

The 2003 Invasion of Iraq has strained relations between the two countries with government officials in the UK recently examining conversations between then Prime Minister Tony Blair and President George W. Bush that led up to the war. Polling on the issue showed that a wide majority of UK citizens began disapproving of the UK early as 2004 and 53% disapproving in a poll conducted last year (compared to 27% approving). In a poll conducted by CBS this month the picture is similar on the other side of the Atlantic where an overwhelming 75% of US respondents say the war was not worth it.
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What is their opinion on future US-UK military cooperation?

If the US engages in war, do you feel the UK should follow as in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Jeffrey M., US resident:

I do think so. Let’s not forget that there would be no Europe much less a UK if we were not forced into WWII. Same on our front, we should go to war if the UK does. If war is the only option and it is a war that can be won then I agree with fighting together.

Zak K., UK resident:

No, certainly not. The UK should make its own decision to whether it fits in with its own national interests, or not and thereafter, how it will response. It shouldn't get involved in an affair simply because the US does. It just happens to be the national interests of the UK are similar to those of the US when it comes to issues such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Economic Opportunities and Geopolitical Strategy

An increasingly globalized world has brought new opportunities but also new challenges that have begun to upend alliances in the Post-Cold War world. The EU (European Union) has seen it’s share of difficulties following the collapse of the worldwide economy and that havoc has caused the fragile bond of European nations to come to the brink of disbandment. One particular relationship that has seen a greater strain is the UK’s membership to the organization as many in the UK have begun to feel that the EU has too much authority over the nation and would like to bring some autonomy back to the UK, at best, or withdraw from the EU altogether at worst. Recent elections to the European Parliament confirmed those feelings with anti-EU party UK Independence Party (UKIP) gaining the most seats in the election, a first for the fairly new group.

Other parties that are hostile to the EU saw a sharp rise in seats all over Europe including the National Front in France, led by Marie Le Pen who also ran for President in the last election. But anti-EU ideology isn’t the only thing that has united these parties, they have also been either outspoken supporters or complimentary of Russian President Vladimir Putin who is locked in a dispute with Western Europe and the US over his annexation of Crimea and the long simmering Ukraine induction into the EU. UKIP leader Nigel Farage has said that he admires Putin while the National Front has been an outspoken supporter of Putin, pushing for closer ties to the country.

Credit: EU

All of this has spelled trouble for the US-EU relationship because of the still glaring dichotomy between the Russia and the US, both jockeying for influence around the world. Both the EU and US are negotiation the terms to a new trade deal but some believe it may be in jeopardy because of the newly elected Members of European Parliament (MEPs) are so skeptical of US power.

What’s your opinion on UK and EU economic cooperation with the US; should it be a priority?

Jeffrey M.:

Yes, I think it should be a priority to make it work; this could benefit us both including forcing the US to increase regulations on things produced. I think it’s a must that the UK stands up and forces the issue. I know the EU still has a sour taste in their mouth from the Iraq situation but they would be damaging a great opportunity if they let this pass them by. There are possibilities of job growth, although we have seen false promises before when it comes to free trade agreements, such as NAFTA, but I believe prioritizing trade agreements with Russia and China could hinder relations with the US and sway the balance of powers.

Zak K.:

I think so, for the most part it is because today, in an age of globalisation and deep economic interdependence between almost every nation around the world, economic cooperation should be at the top of the list. It will help build stronger ties between the UK, US and the EU not just in economic terms, but also to do with development, military and so on due to the chief importance of the economy.

Yes it is very beneficial to have a close economic relationship to benefit both countries. Yet, how further can we go? Both the UK and US are developed to a similar stage, and have the connections firm in place. Further reinforcement of it will be beneficial but I don't think the UK should just single out the US to have closer ties with, both states should look further afield towards developing nations such as the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and others such as Mexico, Indonesia and so on, to build new and strong ties that are not as existent.

Ideal Terms for a Special Relationship

Given all this, what do they believe are some of the ideal terms for the Special Relationship?

Jeffrey M.:

Sit down and figure out what is best for each other and how they can meet in the middle, especially on the trade agreement. Do everything possible in a democratic and peaceful way because we are more powerful together than apart.

Zak K.:

I think the UK is becoming more and more of a junior partner. It always has been, but the special relationship is of less and less importance to the US than the UK. The main role will have to come from the UK. It needs to make sure it keeps its place as a sovereign global player in international affairs, or the attention of the US will continue to fade away from them towards other more appealing nations.

Basically, the UK needs to keep its capabilities as a global leader, and use them in cooperation with the US towards their shared national interests or the US will look elsewhere, because it doesn't have as much to lose.