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UK Government Foreign Policy Towards the United States (August 2013)

Core Content

This document, authored by Xenia Dormandy of Chatham House, provides an analysis of the UK-US foreign policy relationship in the context of the Coalition Government (2010–2015). It emphasizes the importance of the relationship, acknowledges its limitations, and suggests areas for improvement.

Main Views and Key Information

1. The Nature of the UK-US Relationship

• The UK-US relationship is described as 'essential' and 'special', but not strategic.
• A deeper strategic understanding between the two nations is needed to realize greater collaboration and avoid potential conflicts when interests diverge.
• The UK brings three key benefits to the US:
  • A voice in the EU with similar interests.
  • Assets in military, diplomatic, intelligence, and economic spheres.
  • A different perspective on global challenges, which is valuable to the US.

2. Changes Under the Coalition Government

• The Coalition Government attempted to improve strategic dialogue by establishing a Joint Strategy Board in 2011 to facilitate interaction between National Security Advisors.
• However, the initiative failed to achieve its goals, with meetings being infrequent and focusing on urgent issues rather than long-term strategy.
• Despite this, the UK and US have continued to work closely on mutual concerns, particularly in the security realm, such as extradition, judicial decisions, and the NSA allegations.
• Military cooperation remains strong, especially in operations like Libya, but there are challenges due to differences in Rules of Engagement and capabilities.

3. UK's Focus on Non-Transatlantic Relationships

• The UK has shifted its international focus from transatlantic to other regions, particularly Asia, to build commercial relationships.
• This shift has caused concern in the US, which views its foreign policy as more strategic, encompassing both commercial and security interests.
• The UK's approach to China is primarily engagement, whereas the US adopts a hedging and engaging strategy.
• The UK's nuanced strategic vision for Asia is seen as a positive development and should be supported. Closer collaboration with the US in this region would be beneficial.

4. Response to the US Pivot to Asia

• The US pivot to Asia was intended to reassure allies and increase focus on the region, but it was poorly implemented, leading to uncertainty.
• The UK shares strategic interests in Asia, including economic growth, China's development, and India's reform.
• The UK should consider the US pivot in the context of its own regional security and strategic interests.
• The FCO should engage other European states in shaping a joint policy towards Asia, as this would increase the effectiveness of transatlantic cooperation.

5. Lessons from Post-2001 Interventions

• The lessons from Afghanistan and Iraq highlight the need for improved interoperability between the US, UK, and NATO.
• Information and intelligence sharing with non-five-eyes nations was a challenge, and technological solutions alone are not enough.
• A multinational mindset is required to enhance cooperation, especially as both countries face budget constraints.
• The UK and US have different roles in international operations, with the UK often taking leadership and the US providing support.
• The UK's experience and perspective are valuable in shaping foreign policy, and the US should listen more to the UK's input.

Conclusion

The document concludes that while the UK-US relationship remains strong, it lacks the strategic depth necessary to fully realize its potential. The UK must recognize its strategic value to the US and work more closely with it on international initiatives, particularly in Asia and security operations. Strengthening strategic understanding and collaboration will be key to ensuring the relationship remains beneficial and resilient.