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

Dungan on the Implications of the UK Election

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

Dungan on the Implications of the UK Election

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

Dungan on the Implications of the UK Election

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

Bremain vs Brexit

May 13, 2015

Dungan on the Implications of the UK Election

By Nicholas Dungan

The Daily Caller quotes Transatlantic Relations Program Nonresident Senior Fellow Nicholas Dungan what the UK election results mean for Scotland and the European Union:

United Kingdom

Bremain vs Brexit

May 8, 2015

Dungan on Cameron’s Stunning Electoral Victory

By Nicholas Dungan

CNN quotes Transatlantic Relations Program Nonresident Senior Fellow Nicholas Dungan on what British Prime Minister David Cameron’s stunning electoral victory last week means for the United Kingdom moving forward:

United Kingdom

Bremain vs Brexit

May 7, 2015

Dungan on Britain’s Military Presence

By Nicholas Dungan

USA Today quotes Transatlantic Relations Program Nonresident Senior Fellow Nicholas Dungan on Britain’s military presence in advance of the most unpredictable national election in decades:

United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

May 4, 2015

The British are Voting: Here’s What You Need to Know

By Ashish Kumar Sen

‘It is not important that Britain is not important,’ says Atlantic Council’s Dungan If one thing is nearly certain about Britain’s general elections May 7, it is that they will produce no clear victor and, as a result, could lead to another coalition government—or even a hung Parliament. British Prime Minister David Cameron is leading […]

United Kingdom
Prime Minister David Cameron and President Barack Obama, Sept. 4, 2014

NATOSource

Apr 28, 2015

Allies Worried About Britain’s Drift From Global Stage

By Steven Erlanger, New York Times

Its military reach has diminished. It has played little role in confronting Russia over Ukraine and strictly limited its response to crises in the Middle East and Africa.

NATO Security & Defense
British Apache helicopter at RAF Fairford, July 13, 2014

NATOSource

Mar 25, 2015

Parliament Report: World is More Dangerous and British Defense Strategy is ‘No Longer Adequate’

By Defense Committee, UK House of Commons

The world is more dangerous and unstable than at any time since the end of the Cold War. Is the UK ready to respond?

NATO Security & Defense
Prime Minister David Cameron visits British Troops in Afghanistan, June 11, 2010

NATOSource

Mar 11, 2015

UK Looks to Pad Defense Spending Data

By Elizabeth Rigby and Sam Jones, Financial Times

David Cameron has asked ministers to investigate if the intelligence agencies budget can be counted as “defence spending”, as Downing Street eyes creative accountancy to head off US criticism of military spending.

Intelligence NATO
Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber as it approached UK airspace last year

NATOSource

Mar 5, 2015

Russian Bombers Disrupted Civilian Planes in Irish Airspace

By AFP

One plane was diverted and another delayed to avoid two Russian bombers that flew through Irish-controlled airspace

Russia United Kingdom
Commander of US Army in Europe, Gen. Ben Hodges, Nov. 5, 2014

NATOSource

Mar 4, 2015

Putin Wants to Destroy NATO, Says US General Ben Hodges

By Justin Huggler, Telegraph

The commander of the US army in Europe has spoken out in support of the military relationship with Britain, amid concerns it could be damaged by defence cuts.

Germany NATO
Former head of UK Secret Intelligence Service John Sawers, April 13, 2009

NATOSource

Mar 3, 2015

Former Chief of Intell Service: UK Needs More Defense Spending to Deal with New Threats

By BBC

Sir John Sawers, who recently retired after five years as chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Russia poses a “state to state threat.”

Intelligence Russia
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Experts

Fellow

Richard Hurowitz

Nonresident senior fellow

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Erwan Lagadec

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

English Europe & Eurasia

Staff

Charles Lichfield

Director, Economic Foresight & Analysis</br>C. Boyden Gray Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business European Union

Fellow

Rob Macaire

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Leo Michel

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Fellow

Ed Owen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
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