U.S.-British Relations

Prime Minister Tony Blair arrives in America in February at a time of transition for U.S.-British relations. During the Cold War, the two nations' solid front formed the foundation of the Western alliance. But the Soviet Union's demise has raised questions about how much the longtime allies still need each other. With Europe relatively secure, British dependence on American strength has diminished. Moreover, the rise of the European Union is changing economic priorities in Europe. For its part, the United States no longer leans so heavily on Europe for its security and trade interests. Despite having so much in common, the U.S. and Britain may decide that their “special relationship” has run its course.