The U.S.-UK “Special Military Relationship”: Resetting the Partnership

Abstract

Although the “special relationship” between U.S. and British officials is a fixture of the international scene, recent events have raised concerns about the nature and strength of the partnership. This article explores the issues that animate the dialogue between Washington and London and describes insights gathered from a recent Anglo-American forum held in the United Kingdom. Both countries have shared interests in Afghanistan, Libya, and in the nuclear and intelligence fields more generally. Nevertheless, a changing geopolitical setting, especially increasing U.S. preoccupation with China and the declining British defense budget, suggests that sustaining the special relationship will become more difficult.