'Working with Allies: The United States, the United Kingdom, and the War on Terror'

Abstract

This article considers the special case of the United States' relationship with Great Britain—America's closest ally—in the context of the post-9/11 debate over unilateralism and multilateralism. It explains the development of unilateral preferences in the post-Cold War order and, latterly, in the foreign policies of the George W. Bush Administration. The Bush Administration's outlook is seen as much more complex than many commentators assume, notwithstanding its acceptance of the logic of unilateralism and "coalitions of the willing" in pursuing the "War on Terror." The putative "specialness" of the U.S.–U.K. relationship is examined through a skeptical eye, from both the U.S. and British perspectives. Its contemporary manifestation is placed to a considerable degree by the personal leadership style and convictions of Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain. In the final part of the article, the U.S.–U.K. alliance is assessed in light of the broader debate about America's need for allies in the new international order and its capacity to "work with allies" effectively.