Britain’s new challenges between the USA and Europe

In August 1941, Winston Churchill boarded the war cruiser USS Augusta anchored off the southeast coast of Newfoundland to meet with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It should go down in the history books. The heads of government discussed the possible shape of the world after the Second World War. Its principles for a better future include self-determination of nations, free world trade and the renunciation of territorial aggression.

The Atlantic Charter, as the declaration was eventually called, was the forerunner of many coalitions, including the United Nations and NATO. Both countries have been committed to these institutions for ten years and have repeatedly emphasized their special relationships with each other.

The next second presidency of Donald Trump now calls many certainties into question. Against this background, what is the status of the partnership between nations? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer finds himself in a difficult position facing an unpredictable US president who has announced high import tariffs. After all, the government elected in the summer is facing major financial challenges given the multiple crises in the country, which is why it is particularly important for them to create growth.

King Charles III as a diplomatic joker

“The UK will try to find a balance between its relations with the EU and the US,” says Joël Reland from the think tank UK in a Changing Europe. That could lead it to approach Brussels more slowly to avoid angering Trump, who called the EU an “enemy.”

It may be a little easier for Britain than other countries to gain access to decision-makers in Washington. King Charles III could be here. play a diplomatic role. Finally, Trump repeatedly emphasized that he was a fan of the Royals. “In fact, the UK and the US are more closely linked by their shared language and history than other European countries are with the US,” says Reland.

Trump presidency of great consequence

Since World War II, British governments have linked their intelligence, security and defense strategies with those of the United States, says Richard Whitman, a political scientist at the University of Kent. “This was seen as a great advantage for Great Britain,” but it also limited the kingdom’s autonomy. The decisions and measures of a Trump presidency are therefore particularly important for the kingdom.

The Republicans have questioned the value of the NATO alliance and the continued defense of Ukraine against Russia and have assured that they want to end the conflict within 24 hours. “However, these positions are in stark contrast to those represented by the Labor government.” Starmer has made it clear that he sees NATO as the cornerstone of national security and the alliance as the foundation of European security. Diplomatic and military support for Kiev in the fight against the Russian invasion was increased.

In view of the emerging new situation, Great Britain now wants to act as much as possible as a bridge between the USA and Europe and use its connections in Washington to mediate, says Reland. For example, London could aim to persuade EU states to spend more on defense. “The UK will seek to underline its leadership in this area.” Starmer has said he will “lead the way” to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of national income. Britain has allowed Ukraine to use long-range weapons provided to it against targets inside Russia.

But critics say that none of this is a convincing deterrent. If it fails to send a really tough message to the Kremlin, there is a risk that Russia will increasingly perceive Britain as vulnerable, commented British journalist Deborah Haynes. This despite the fact that Great Britain is a nuclear power and a member of NATO.