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.

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

Europe and the ‘Asia Pivot’

New Atlanticist
Sep 19, 2025

Three things to note in the UK’s new Defence Industrial Strategy

By
Deborah Cheverton

“Defence is an Engine for Growth,” according to an important new British military strategy published on September 8.

Defense Industry
Defense Policy

Europe and the ‘Asia Pivot’

New Atlanticist
Jul 17, 2025

Macron and Starmer have a plan to reset Anglo-French relations. What’s in this ‘Entente Industrielle’?

By
Philippe Dickinson

The French president’s three-day trip to the United Kingdom saw several notable and welcome announcements. But the real test will be what comes next.

Defense Industry
France

Europe and the ‘Asia Pivot’

New Atlanticist
Jun 4, 2025

The UK Strategic Defence Review lays out an ambitious roadmap for reform. Will the government deliver?

By
AM Sir Christopher Harper, KBE, RAF (Ret.)

The review is a positive step toward revitalizing the United Kingdom’s defense posture, but its success will depend on funding and follow-through.

Conflict
Defense Industry

Program

The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

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Content

NATOSource

Oct 26, 2012

Europe and the ‘Asia Pivot’

By Tomas Valasek, International Herald Tribune

From Tomas Valasek, International Herald Tribune:  What is NATO to do? One school of thought in Europe holds that an alliance with such widely different capabilities will not survive.

European Union International Organizations

NATOSource

Oct 24, 2012

Two legislators resign from SNP over change in NATO policy

By Guardian

From Guardian:  Two Scottish National party members of the Scottish parliament who led a rebellion against proposals for an independent Scotland to join Nato have resigned in protest.

United Kingdom

NATOSource

Oct 24, 2012

Hague: If EU completed free trade negotiations, ‘GDP could be increased by up to $77 billion a year’

By William Hague, British Foreign Ministry

From William Hague, British Foreign Ministry:  Many European economies are stagnant. Weak public finances, and a recovering financial system mean we cannot rely on increased public or consumer spending for growth.

Economy & Business European Union

NATOSource

Oct 23, 2012

Britain doubling its number of Reaper drones and activating 1st base in UK

By Telegraph

From Telegraph:  The deployment of the five armed Reaper aircraft, which are used for surveillance and combat operations, will double the number that Britain has available.

Drones Technology & Innovation

NATOSource

Oct 14, 2012

Europe risks giving up on defense

By James Blitz, Financial Times

From James Blitz, Financial Times:  In June last year, Robert Gates, the then US defence secretary, made a speech in Brussels on Europe’s military capabilities.

United Kingdom United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Oct 11, 2012

Why Do We Need Armies?

By Julian Lindley-French

The Duke of Wellington once said “I mistrust the judgment of every man in a case in which his own wishes are concerned.”

United Kingdom

NATOSource

Oct 11, 2012

Canadian naval officer admits to spying for Russia

By AP

From AP:  A former Canadian Navy intelligence officer who pleaded guilty to espionage on Wednesday was selling secrets to the Russians for about $3,000 a month.

United Kingdom United States and Canada

NATOSource

Oct 8, 2012

UK on BAE-EADS Merger: France and Germany ‘must reduce stake’

By BBC

From BBC:  France and Germany must reduce their stakes in defence firm EADS if the UK is to allow a proposed merger with BAE Systems to go ahead, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has said.

United Kingdom

NATOSource

Oct 4, 2012

Protecting the Benefits of the Internet Is One of the Great Challenges of Our Time

By William Hague & Janos Martonyi, the New Atlanticist

From William Hague & Janos Martonyi, the New Atlanticist:  The global economic climate means we must work harder to maintain and enhance the benefits of the internet for all.

Cybersecurity Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Sep 26, 2012

Europe’s Naked Emperors

By Julian Lindley-French

With a loose heritage that dates back to Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire Vienna is the quintessential post-imperial European city. Now the capital of a small but rich and modern European state it was once the epicenter of a vast multicultural, multi-ethnic empire that collapsed in 1918 under the weight of its own political […]

European Union International Organizations
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Experts

Fellow

Lisa Aronsson

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Fellow

Robert Bassett Cross MC

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Staff

James Batchik

Associate Director

Europe Center

Central Europe Digital Policy

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Stephanie Burrell

Head of Sustainability, Smart DCC

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Energy & Environment

Staff

Giovana Cardoso

Associate Director, Development

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Brazil Human Rights

Fellow

Deborah Cheverton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Industry
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