United Kingdom

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

Atlantic Council’s Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge wraps up its third year in London

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
Atlantic Council’s Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge wraps up its third year in London

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
Atlantic Council’s Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge wraps up its third year in London

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.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM

Content

Press Release

Mar 23, 2020

Atlantic Council’s Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge wraps up its third year in London

UK Minister for Digital Infrastructure hails Cyber 9/12’s “fantastic” work in developing the UK’s “cyber leaders of the future”

Cybersecurity United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Mar 11, 2020

New British budget takes coronavirus head-on

By John M. Roberts

Britain’s finance minister, Rishi Sunak, has just delivered a master class in how a government should tackle both the health and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2020

UK remains committed to positive global role after Brexit, defence secretary says

By David A. Wemer

“The security of Europe is vital to the United Kingdom’s security [and] that will not change because we have left the political union of the European Union,” UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on March 5.

European Union NATO

EnergySource

Feb 24, 2020

Despite election, UK fracking faces an uphill battle

By Christian Le Miere

In their pre-election manifesto, the UK Conservatives stated that their stance will be to “not support fracking unless the science shows categorically it can be done safely,” something of a U-turn for the party. Why adopt such a significant policy change now?

Oil and Gas United Kingdom

In the News

Feb 21, 2020

Cohen in Forbes: Rolls-Royce reignites the race to build mini-nuclear power plants

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Feb 13, 2020

What Johnson’s cabinet reshuffle means

By John M. Roberts

By purging two of the most important members of his government along with a cluster of other cabinet ministers on February 13, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is seeking to set his own presidential stamp on the premiership and warning that he will brook no challenge to himself or his policies.

Politics & Diplomacy United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Feb 13, 2020

The UK’s busy trade agenda for 2020

By Hung Tran

Post-Brexit Britain is aiming for trade agreements with the EU, the Untied States, China, and more in 2020. But negotiating such a wide range of complex trade deals in a relatively short time frame is quite a formidable challenge.

Trade and tariffs United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Feb 3, 2020

After Brexit: The road ahead

By David A. Wemer

With Brexit now technically achieved, the remaining questions about the future UK-EU relationship will continue to dominate both sides in the years to come. Atlantic Council experts offered their response to the formal exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union and what lies ahead for both the UK and Europe.

European Union Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Feb 3, 2020

What will Brexit mean for energy markets?

By Global Energy Center

“Initial indications are that post-Brexit Britain will pay less attention to issues concerning climate change despite the fact that it is to hold COP 26 in Glasgow in November," John Roberts says.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Jan 22, 2020

Ukraine can feed Brexit Britain

By Bate C. Toms

The UK is Europe's biggest food importer and Ukraine is one of the continent's top agricultural producers. This makes a post-Brexit free trade deal a potentially big win for both countries.

Trade and tariffs Ukraine
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Experts

Fellow

Iskander Rehman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy India

Fellow

Andrea Rigoni

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Fellow

Mark Scott

Senior Resident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Digital Policy Disinformation

Fellow

Daniel Stander

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Climate Resilience Center

Africa Americas

Fellow

Gareth Stansfield

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Afghanistan Iraq

Fellow

Clara Tsao

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Americas China
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