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

Boris Johnson’s next act: Saving the UK

Dispatches May 15, 2026

The UK faces a dilemma over potential troop deployments to Ukraine. France can help.

By Julia Salabert, Jason C. Moyer

France is currently punching below its weight in the Baltic area and could shoulder more of the burden.
France NATO
Boris Johnson’s next act: Saving the UK

Dispatches Apr 27, 2026

Can King Charles’s state visit to the US help mend the special relationship?

By Ed Owen

The British monarch’s visit comes as relations between Washington and London are at their lowest point in decades.
Politics & Diplomacy United Kingdom
Boris Johnson’s next act: Saving the UK

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

Program

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

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM

Content

Inflection Points

Dec 14, 2019

Boris Johnson’s next act: Saving the UK

By Frederick Kempe

Prime Minister Johnson – who famously craves both public attention and a place in history – won the former and a shot at the latter through a British election victory this week that was the most convincing conservative victory since Margaret Thatcher in 1987. To save the United Kingdom itself, however, he must reverse course, or at least amend direction, on much of what he has said and done to win in the first place.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

New Atlanticist

Dec 13, 2019

Johnson triumphs in UK election: What’s next?

By David A. Wemer

“Much of the electorate seems to have bought the Johnson message that electing a Conservative government will mark the end of the Brexit process," Sir Peter Westmacott said. "In fact, it only signals the beginning of the real negotiations on Britain’s future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world."

Elections European Union

New Atlanticist

Dec 3, 2019

NATO is defined by its success—not its tensions

By David A. Wemer

While international headlines have focused on high-profile disputes within the NATO alliance over a litany of issues including defense spending, trade, Syria, and Brexit, transatlantic leaders stressed on December 3 that these disagreements are dwarfed by the continued success of the seventy-year-old alliance.

NATO Poland

Transcripts

Dec 3, 2019

NATO Engages transcript: Perspectives from Defence Secretary Ben Wallace

By Atlantic Council

Ben Wallace, secretary of state for defence of the United Kingdom speaks at NATO Engages 2019.

NATO United Kingdom

In the News

Nov 11, 2019

Bryza quoted in The Times on Chinese group to buy British Steel for £70m

By Atlantic Council

China Economy & Business

In the News

Nov 8, 2019

Bryza in Financial Times: Look elsewhere for British Steel’s saviour

By Atlantic Council

China Economy & Business

In the News

Nov 2, 2019

McFate quoted in the Telegraph on cyber warfare

By Atlantic Council

Cybersecurity Defense Policy

In the News

Nov 1, 2019

Oosterveld on Channel 4 News about US-UK Trade

By Atlantic Council

Watch the full clip below:

Economy & Business English

In the News

Nov 1, 2019

Oosterveld joins channel 4 News to discuss US-UK trade deal negotiations

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Oct 29, 2019

A most peculiar general election

By John M. Roberts

Perhaps the most important question of all, as current polling suggests, is whether voter support for Brexit or determination to see the UK remaining within the European Union proves more important than traditional party allegiance.

Elections European Union
Load More

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

Fellow

Colin Buckley

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth

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
Load More