The term “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and the United States has been a fixture of diplomatic discourse for decades. First coined by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1946, the phrase signifies the close political, cultural, and historical ties between the two nations. However, every time a newly elected British leader sets off for a meeting with the current US president, the question inevitably arises: Is this relationship still “special”?

The visit by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Washington this week brings the issue back into focus. It is Starmer’s second visit to the United States since becoming prime minister in July 2024, and it comes at a critical juncture. President Joe Biden is in the final months of his presidency, having opted out of running for re-election in favor of passing the Democratic candidacy to Vice President Kamala Harris. Starmer’s discussions with Biden are expected to cover a broad range of topics, from the Ukraine conflict to the situation in Gaza, as well as ongoing challenges posed by China’s growing global influence. The two leaders will also explore ways to bolster the UK-US relationship in a rapidly changing world.

The UK and US have long maintained a relationship built on shared values, political traditions, and cultural affinities. Both nations champion democratic governance, human rights, and a rules-based international order. This mutual alignment has, over the years, helped to sustain the notion of a special bond, regardless of who occupies 10 Downing Street or the White House.

However, the reality is that this relationship is often shaped by the whims of the US president rather than the UK prime minister. The dynamics of the relationship fluctuate based on the occupant of the White House, their foreign policy goals, and the geopolitical landscape at the time. While Labour’s principles align more closely with Biden’s Democratic Party than the conservative Republican platform, Starmer must be cautious in his full alignment with the Democrats, especially with a contentious US election just months away.

Starmer’s visit to Washington comes as Biden’s presidency winds down, and it is expected that their discussions will be wide-ranging. Among the key topics on the table is the continued Western support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The UK and the US have been at the forefront of the coalition supporting Kyiv, and Starmer is likely to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to this cause.

In addition to Ukraine, Biden and Starmer will focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, specifically the need for a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. The leaders are also expected to touch on recent attacks on international shipping by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, as well as the importance of maintaining a “free and open” Asia-Pacific, a clear reference to curbing Chinese influence in the region.

Yet, beyond these pressing international issues, Starmer’s visit will also be an opportunity to discuss how to strengthen the UK-US partnership at a time when the UK’s international standing has shifted significantly. Since Brexit, the UK’s role as a key mediator between the US and Europe has diminished, and its influence on the global stage is no longer what it once was.

Brexit has fundamentally changed the UK’s place in the world, particularly in the eyes of its American allies. Once seen as a bridge between the US and Europe, the UK’s departure from the European Union has altered the dynamics of the special relationship. Washington has long valued the UK’s role in mediating transatlantic relations, but without the influence that comes with EU membership, the UK’s strategic appeal has arguably weakened.

This shift has caused some in the US to view the UK as a less critical partner in terms of influence and diplomatic standing. While the historical ties between the two nations remain strong, the post-Brexit reality has left the UK in need of reaffirming its global importance. Starmer’s government has already indicated a desire to reset relations with Brussels, signaling a shift back toward Europe, but this does not negate the need for strong ties with Washington.

Starmer’s meeting with Biden will be an opportunity for the UK to position itself as a steadfast partner to the US, especially in a world marked by rising populism, growing Chinese assertiveness, and the continued fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But the meeting will also highlight the UK’s need to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape in which its traditional alliances, including with the US, are being tested.

Over the decades, the UK and US have cultivated a relationship that has persevered through various challenges, both domestic and international. In the 1980s, the bond between Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan was a defining feature of transatlantic politics, with their alignment on economic and security issues helping to shape the global order. Similarly, Tony Blair’s “third way” politics meshed well with Bill Clinton’s approach in the 1990s. Even when Republican George W. Bush entered the White House, Blair managed to build a strong rapport with him, though his support for Bush’s Iraq invasion earned him widespread criticism at home.

This flexibility underscores the transactional nature of the special relationship. While there is undoubtedly a sense of shared history and common values, the relationship has always been driven by pragmatic concerns-chiefly security, trade, and diplomatic alignment. Both nations have sought to leverage the relationship to advance their respective interests, and this remains true today.

Starmer’s government is likely to continue to emphasize the importance of the UK-US relationship, but it will also need to navigate the complexities of a shifting international order. The rise of populism, the resurgence of nationalism, and the emergence of a more multipolar world are all factors that could challenge the traditional dynamics of the special relationship.

One of the most significant uncertainties surrounding the future of the UK-US relationship is the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election. While Biden and Starmer share similar values and political goals, a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House would undoubtedly strain relations. Trump’s isolationist “America First” policies, along with his often confrontational approach to allies, made for a turbulent transatlantic relationship during his presidency.

Should Trump win the election in November 2024, Starmer will need to tread carefully. The UK’s post-Brexit reality means that it cannot afford to alienate its closest ally, even if Trump’s policies are at odds with Labour’s vision for the future. In many ways, the survival of the special relationship will depend on the ability of both nations to manage their differences while continuing to collaborate on key issues such as security, trade, and global governance.

The UK-US special relationship remains a cornerstone of British foreign policy, but it is not immune to the changing tides of global politics. As Starmer meets with Biden in Washington, the two leaders will undoubtedly reaffirm their commitment to this historic alliance. However, the relationship is increasingly shaped by pragmatic concerns rather than sentimentality. As the world becomes more fractured and multipolar, the UK and US will need to work harder to maintain their special bond, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office or at 10 Downing Street.

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