A strained partnership? US-UK relations in the era of détente, 1969-77

• Main Author: Robb, Thomas (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Manchester Manchester University Press 2014
• Subjects: International relations; Political Science; Politics; Richard Nixon; Gerald Ford; Harold Wilson; IMF Crisis; diplomacy; US-UK relations; US-UK relationship; special relationship; transatlantic relations; foreign policy; 1969-1977; nuclear co-operation; Edward Heath; Europe; European Economic Community; Henry Kissinger; London; Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions; NATO; Soviet Union
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

This is the first monograph-length study that charts the coercive diplomacy of the administrations of Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford as practised against their British ally in order to persuade Edward Heath's government to follow a more amenable course throughout the 'Year of Europe' and to convince Harold Wilson's governments to lessen the severity of proposed defence cuts. Such diplomacy proved effective against Heath but rather less so against Wilson. It is argued that relations between the two sides were often strained, indeed, to the extent that the most 'special' elements of the relationship were suspended. Yet, the relationship also witnessed considerable co-operation. This book offers new perspectives on US and UK policy towards British membership of the European Economic Community; demonstrates how US détente policies created strain; reveals the temporary shutdown of US-UK intelligence and nuclear co-operation, and re-evaluates the US-UK relationship throughout the IMF Crisis.