Britain should welcome the death of the Special Relationship

Posted on 11 April 2025

New article by Dr Chris Featherstone

Dr. Chris Featherstone, Lecturer in British Politics, has authored an article in The Critic titled "Britain Should Welcome the Death of the Special Relationship." In this piece, Dr. Featherstone critically examines the current state of the UK-US alliance, arguing that the so-called "special relationship" has become outdated and no longer serves Britain's national interests. He suggests that the UK's continued alignment with the United States may hinder its ability to forge new, beneficial partnerships, particularly within Europe.

Chris says "The UK routinely feels disappointed and even gaslit by the lack of purchase in the “Special Relationship”. Now, in light of the Trump administration’s sweeping imposition of tariffs, the UK has the opportunity to recognise the hollowness to this specialness. Moving away can bring the UK new diplomatic potential, preventing the UK from being tarred with the same brush as the US. Now more than ever, we have to accept that the “Special Relationship” is dead. We will be better off without it."

Read the full article