Anglo-American Relations: Contemporary Perspectives(Routledge Advances in International Relations and Global Politics)

This book provides an examination of contemporary Anglo-American relations. Sometimes controversially referred to as the Special Relationship, Anglo-American relations constitute arguably the most important bilateral relationship of modern times. However, in recent years, there have been frequent pronouncements that this relationship has lost its ‘specialness’. This volume brings together experts from Britain, Europe and North America in a long-overdue examination of contemporary Anglo-American relations that paints a somewhat different picture. The discussion ranges widely, from an analysis of the special relationship of culture and friendship, to an examination of both traditional (e.g. nuclear relations) and more recent (e.g. environment) policies. Contemporary developments are discussed in the context of longer-term trends and contributing authors draw upon a range of different disciplines, including political science, diplomacy studies, business studies and economics. Coupled with a substantive introduction and conclusion, the result is an insightful and engaging portrayal of the complex Anglo-American relationship. The book will be of great interest to students of US and UK foreign policy, diplomacy and international relations in general.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. Nuclear Relationship John Simpson 2. Defence Relationship Steve Marsh 3. Intelligence Relationship Adam Svendsen 4. Economic Relationship Joe McKinney 5. Personal Diplomacy: Relations between Prime Ministers and Presidents John Dumbrell 6. Anglo-American Strategic Culture David Haglund 7. The Print Media and the Special Relationship Lorenzo Dus 8. Anglo-American Planning and the Environment Tony Jackson 9. Cultural Connections Robert Hendershot 10. Conclusion.

About the Author :
Alan P. Dobson is Honorary Professor at the School of International Relations, St Andrews University, and has written widely on post-World War II Anglo-American relations. Steve Marsh is Reader in International Politics at Cardiff University.

Review :
"Focused on a traditional topic, this volume offers anything but the standard approach and treatment of the so-called Special Relationship. The authors combine the newest methods, especially on culture, with the newest topics, including the environment, intelligence, and personal and emotional ties. Transnational history at its best!"-- Thomas W. Zeiler, University of Colorado Boulder "Studies of the Anglo-American Special Relationship, and reports of its demise, are ubiquitous. Then every now and then a group of scholars penetrate the mist with a clear description of the diplomatic, political, cultural, and economic bond—the British and American bond—that underlies so much of modern international affairs. Dobson and Marsh have assembled one such penetrating study, useful to scholars and international observers alike, and for anyone desiring to better appreciate the most special of international relationships as it moves through the 21st Century."-- Jeffrey A. Engel, Director, Center for Presidential History, Southern Methodist University "This remarkably comprehensive work by a distinguished international panel is a most welcome volume on the so-called "Special Relationship" that fills a historiographical gap of over two decades. It will prove immeasurably useful to both students and specialists of Anglo-American relations."-- Serge Ricard, University of Paris III-Sorbonne Nouvelle "Based on multidisciplinary research and skillfully introduced by its two editors, this book highlights the cultural, psychological, sentimental and security dimensions of the Anglo-American special relationship, and examines the intricate bond that has held these nations together for the last two decades. Any scholar, journalist or student interested in recent transatlantic relations should not miss this significant publication."-- Klaus Schwabe, Technical University