Still buying insurance? The realism behind Tony Blair's post-September 11 evangelization

Abstract

The degree of zealousness with which Tony Blair committed himself and Britain to the support of the US campaign following the September 11 terrorist attacks was impressive. In justifying that level of commitment, Blair cited as his principal motivations the punishment of the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks, and the eradication of the injustice, poverty and sufferings that breed terrorism. Though cogent and persuasive, do these constitute the sole or chief motivations for Britain's deep involvement? This article, by recalling the political principles underpinning the British notion of a ‘special relationship’ with the USA, contends that Blair's activism was motivated, equally largely, by the desire to advance British national interest – by reinvigorating a ‘special relationship’ that was purportedly becoming ‘special no more’. And to some extent the post-9/11 anti-terrorist campaign was microcosmic of the Anglo-American (‘special’) relationship.