This is a provocative question. Has the much-vaunted term “special relationship” become a cliché?
Anglo-American phrases are heavily guarded, especially on the British side.
Expect to hear it repeated many times, with matching photo opportunities, as Prime Minister Sunak spends his busy days in Washington.
only former prime minister Leeds Truss It is said to have found its tone somewhat hopeless.
But that view only lasted her prime ministerial term.
Rishi Sunak with Joe Biden at the G7 leaders summit in Japan.Photo: 10 Downing Street
All the other British prime ministers took it very seriously – the words and the actual relationship.
The Roots of the “Special Relationship”
This relationship is rooted in the truly special relationship between deceased people. queen elizabeth ii and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
She and Eisenhower began their relationship 79 years ago this week.
Eisenhower was a wartime general. Elizabeth was a wartime princess. D-Day is a keen early example of special relationships in action.
President Dwight Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth in Washington, 1957
this The queen will continue to cement the relationship Through numerous political leaders on both sides.
The current status of this special relationship is less clear.
There is no doubt that the US values UK leadership Ukraine (Britain is second only to the US in finance and arms, and is arguably the leader in uniting other nations), but otherwise, the UK is not as relevant as it used to be.
It’s not just a vibe you feel among Americans in Washington, but you also feel it when you talk to diplomats from other countries here.
People in this town point to Brexit and the subsequent political turmoil as the reason.
Rishi Sunak arrived in the US on June 6th.Photo: Associated Press
Once, the UK was the US’s bridge to Brussels and the EU, now a new bridge leads directly to Europe.
president joe biden Statistics European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Among his closest allies.
Yes – Mr Sunak and President Biden have a smooth and warm relationship, but the US now has other distinctly special relationships too.
The many different recent British prime ministers certainly have not helped to maintain the relationship.
British officials have trumpeted that Sunak’s visit has been designated by the president as an “official working visit” rather than just a “working visit”.
Why is the prime minister going to Washington?
There’s a difference, and it’s important and appreciated in Downing Street.
David Cameron was the last prime minister to make the trip “official”.
Zeitgeist Issues – Artificial Intelligence
Mr. Sunak is expected to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) – a zeitgeist issue.
He wants the UK to lead the way in tackling the AI challenge, with its innovation and technological prowess. But is Britain marginalized by the US-European machine?
Absolutely not, Mr Sunak’s officials insist.
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Look forward to a new level of partnership with China on economic security and competition, not conflict.
Perhaps the UK has an advantage over the EU in healing and promoting relations when it comes to China?
Expect Mr Sunak to preach British relevance.
Ukraine will serve as an example to Mr Sunak of how British leadership can function.
Rishi Sunak attends the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington.Photo: Associated Press
He is expected to lobby President Biden to support Britain’s desire to push Defense Secretary Ben Wallace to become the next NATO secretary general.
The prime minister’s time on Capitol Hill is also critical. Meeting lawmakers on “Capitol Hill” is crucial to continuity in the chaotic world of American politics.
Links with right-wing politicians (including the Trumpites) must be strengthened because who knows what will happen next November.
This visit is an opportunity to make this special relationship meaningful again.