The Anglo-American “Special Relationship” From The Perspective Of The Asymmetric Alliance

In an asymmetric alliance,due to the differences in strength between the member states,the dominant country’s influence on the alliance is more obvious.However,a large number of international political realities show that changes in the alliance’s internal relations are also inseparable from non-dominant countries.In the process of interaction between the members of the alliance,the non-dominant country will also influence the policies of the dominant country,change the alliance relationship,and ultimately have a beneficial or negative impact on the non-dominant country itself.This article analyzes the different political effects and the reasons for the differences brought about by the strengthening of the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States by studying the adjustment of the non-dominant country,the United Kingdom,in different political events in the United Kingdom and the United States.Based on this,this article believes that the weaker party in an asymmetric alliance has a certain policy dependence on the stronger party,but this dependence does not mean that the weaker party must comply with the stronger party’s issues on issues involving war and peace.Policy propositions,but should grasp the policy balance,maintain the objective independence of foreign policy,and guide.In the Falklands War,Britain obeyed the diplomatic mediation of the United States on the surface,but actually used it to draw the United States into service for its victory in the war.It changed the position of the United States through diplomatic means,obtained military intelligence information and material assistance from the United States,and accelerated the victory of the war.Protected national interests and honor.In the Iraq War,Britain failed to change the American idea of using military means to overthrow Saddam’s regime.Regardless of the attitudes of other European allies,Britain followed the United States in sending troops to Iraq and involved itself in a long-term overseas war.Great damage to national interests and image.This article analyzes the ways and reasons that Britain maintained a "special relationship" with the United States during the two wars.It believes that although Britain has always been in a non-dominant position in the alliance relationship,it still has the policy space to use the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States for its own benefit.Therefore,Britain should balance its policies toward the United States and increase the independence of foreign policy.This article believes that although the international structure has changed,the role of Britain as a balance and coordinator between the two sides of the Atlantic has not changed.While maintaining the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States,the United Kingdom should continue to play its role as a "bridge",attach importance to relations with European allies,expand the independence of foreign policy,and bring bright policy and development directions for British diplomacy.