United Kingdom

Comprised of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the United Kingdom (UK) is a long-time friend and ally of the United States. As Brexit upends British politics, the traditional US-UK relationship remains more vital than ever to both countries and the larger transatlantic community. Despite wrestling with internal challenges, the UK plays an important leadership role in the international system as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a NATO leader, and the bridge between Europe and the United States on issues of defense, security, sanctions, and trade.

Content

General view of the United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East at the UN headquarters on February 28, 2026, in New York City. (Wang Fan/China News Service/VCG via Reuters Connect)

Dispatches

Mar 3, 2026

Experts react: How the world is responding to the US-Israeli war with Iran

By Atlantic Council experts

We turned to our global network to explain how leaders in Europe, Asia, and Latin America are viewing the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

Argentina China

UkraineAlert

Mar 2, 2026

Europe must not seek Putin’s approval before sending troops to Ukraine

By Stephen Blank

European leaders representing Coalition of the Willing countries reportedly reject the idea of sending troops to Ukraine without first securing Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval, writes Stephen Blank.

Conflict European Union

Dispatches

Feb 20, 2026

What I heard in Munich: ‘We Europeans need a plan’

By Anna Wieslander

Hopes of a bold, unified initiative led by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom did not materialize at the recent Munich Security Conference.

Europe & Eurasia France

UkraineAlert

Feb 5, 2026

Vladimir Putin must not have a veto over security guarantees for Ukraine

By Iulian Romanyshyn

If European leaders want to secure a place at the negotiating table, they must demonstrate to the Kremlin that Russia does not have a veto over security guarantees for Ukraine, writes Iulian Romanyshyn.

Conflict European Union

Dispatches

Jan 19, 2026

Greenland, Davos, and a week that could redefine the transatlantic alliance

By Josh Lipsky and Jörn Fleck

This week’s World Economic Forum in Davos will play host to transatlantic leaders at a volatile moment following Trump’s tariff threats against Europe over Greenland.

European Union France

In the News

Jan 7, 2026

Gray in National Interest on US Indo-Pacific strategy

By Atlantic Council

On January 7, Alexander B. Gray, a GeoStrategy Initiative nonresident senior fellow, wrote an article in National Interest titled "How the UK Is Undermining US Indo-Pacific Security," discussing the UK transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.

Indo-Pacific Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Jan 7, 2026

Ukraine security guarantees are futile without increased pressure on Putin

By Peter Dickinson

Western leaders have hailed progress toward "robust" security guarantees for Ukraine this week, but until Putin faces increased pressure to make peace, Russia will remain committed to continuing the war, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict France

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Ellwood in Express on restoring National Service

By Atlantic Council

On January 4, GeoStrategy Initiative distinguished fellow Tobias Ellwood authored an opinion piece in Express titled "The UK is woefully underprepared for global war – we must bring back National Service." He explains that the United Kingdom has grown complacent and argues that restoring mandatory national service is essential amid intensifying strategic competition.

Defense Policy Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Nov 24, 2025

Could the UK’s economic woes spell doom for Keir Starmer?

By Ed Owen

It is the persisting economic challenges and high cost of living that continue to be the heaviest drag on the British prime minister and his team.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

TURKEYSource

Nov 10, 2025

Turkey’s Eurofighter stopgap: The best available, not the best possible

By Can Kasapoğlu

Turkey’s Eurofighter Typhoon procurement offers air superiority and could lead to deeper intra-NATO cooperation.

Defense Technologies Europe & Eurasia

Experts