Winston Churchill coined the term Special Relationship in his famous speech in Fulton, Missouri in 1946. This term characterises the unparalleled close Anglo-American relations during the Second World War and in the time thereafter. The shared perception that Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union constituted major external threats to their well-being bound the societies and leaderships of Great Britain and the United States together. The looming menace ceased to exist after the break-up of the Soviet Union and the demise of Communism, and for several authors so did the raison d´être of the Special Relationship as well.
It was more however that brought these two countries together than the shared perception of a communist threat. Why is it that “neither country has fully adjusted its mind to thinking of the members of the other society as foreigners”, and that Americans still refer to Britain as the “mother country” every now and then? Why do certain authors call Britain the “fortified outpost of the Anglo-Saxon race” or the “unsinkable aircraft carrier”? And is it just by chance that fictional author George Orwell calls Britain “Airstrip One” and associates it with North America in his novel “1984”? Is it a coincidence or are these – admittedly vague – expressions signs of subtle yet overarching bonds between the two countries?
This work will analyse and discuss various aspects of Anglo-American relations. The apparent cooperation in the fields of foreign and security policy will be assessed, as well as the more disguised realm of military and intelligence collaboration. Following is a chapter about two aspects that dominate our time, economy and business in the Anglo-American relationship. The last chapter attempts to illuminate the obscure field of “private” relations between the Anglo-American nations, as well as the importance of the personal relationships between the individual Presidents and Prime Ministers. For a better understanding of Anglo-American Affairs the common backgrounds of the two countries are assessed historically, culturally and in terms of language. The question or the leitmotif on which this work is be based asks whether the concept of a Special Relationship in current Anglo-American relations is still a de facto reality or just a myth, that lingers on from the shared experience of the two World wars:
Does the weary British Lion still enjoy a remarkably “special” relationship with the almighty American Eagle?
Table of Contents
I. Introduction: “The lion and the eagle“
II. Aspects of the “Special Relationship“:
1. Common historical, cultural and linguistic background
2. Foreign and security policy
3. Intelligence agencies and the military
4. Economy and business
5. Personal and private relations
III. Conclusion
Outlook: Great Britain torn between America and Europe?
IV. Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
The work examines whether the concept of a "Special Relationship" between Great Britain and the United States remains a de facto reality in the post-Cold War era or if it has evolved into a myth. It analyzes the historical, political, military, economic, and personal ties that have historically bound the two nations together.
- Historical, cultural, and linguistic foundations of the Anglo-American bond.
- Collaborative efforts in foreign and security policy, including wartime alliances and military cooperation.
- Deep-seated institutional ties in intelligence gathering and military R&D.
- Economic interdependencies and the distinctive Anglo-Saxon model of capitalism.
- The influence of personal relationships between leaderships and non-governmental organizations on bilateral policy.
Excerpt from the Book
II.1. Common linguistic, cultural and historical background:
In 1585 the first English settlers arrived on the North American continent under the lead of Sir Walter Raleigh. They settled in the region that is today known as North Carolina. Although one year later no trace of the colony could be found, that was the first attempt by the English to settle the New World. In 1607 Jamestown was founded in honour of James I., King of England and the surrounding area was named Virginia in honour of the Queen of England. These first efforts to establish permanent English colonies in America were characterised by famine, disease and continuous conflicts with the Native Americans.
About a decade later the legendary arrival of the Pilgrims in their vessel, the Mayflower, marked the beginning of a type of colonization that to a greater extent lasted and flourished. In the period before 1700, tens of thousands of settlers from the British Isles arrived in North America. Even though the Spanish had a permanent settlement in St. Augustine, Florida since 1565, and the campaigns launched by the French to explore the vast new continent had advanced far more westward to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi, it was the English settlers who dominated that continent and its future.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: “The lion and the eagle“: This chapter introduces the historical origins of the "Special Relationship" and outlines the research objective of determining its current validity.
II. Aspects of the “Special Relationship“: This comprehensive section examines the various pillars of the alliance, ranging from historical and cultural roots to specific cooperation in defense, intelligence, economy, and interpersonal diplomacy.
III. Conclusion: The author concludes that the relationship is underpinned by fundamental ties—such as shared values and economic outlook—that transcend mere mutual threats, though the British influence has diminished relative to American hegemony.
Keywords
Special Relationship, Anglo-American relations, Anglosphere, foreign policy, intelligence cooperation, Cold War, economic liberalism, history of colonization, military alliance, trans-Atlantic relations, diplomacy, political leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work investigates the nature and durability of the "Special Relationship" between Great Britain and the United States, questioning its relevance in the modern geopolitical context.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The research covers historical background, foreign and security policy, intelligence and military cooperation, economic relations, and the role of private networks and personal diplomacy.
What is the central research question?
The central question is whether the "Special Relationship" is currently a de facto reality or merely a lingering myth from the shared experience of the two World Wars.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The study employs a historical and political analysis, drawing on existing literature, academic journals, and governmental documents to assess the institutional and informal ties between the two nations.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body examines the deepening of ties through specific agreements, such as the UKUSA-Agreement, and the convergence of economic models driven by liberalization and deregulation.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include the "Special Relationship," the "Anglosphere," military and intelligence collaboration, and the shifting balance of power in the post-Cold War era.
How do personal relationships between leaders impact the alliance?
The work highlights that while close personal friendships between Presidents and Prime Ministers can foster cooperation, the alliance remains robust even during periods of individual friction due to deep institutionalization.
What is the significance of the "Anglosphere" concept in this work?
The concept is used to describe a distinctive branch of Western Civilization defined by common values, such as the rule of law and individual liberty, which serves as a foundational bond between the UK and the US.
- Quote paper
- MA Internationale Beziehungen Jan Fichtner (Author), 2003, The Special Relationship between Great Britain and the USA - Myth or Reality?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/33968
