Donald Trump has now been in power for over a year (in his second term), and it is clear to see that our ‘special relationship’ is in serious jeopardy. The US Government has recently released their National Security Strategy (NSS), setting out their foreign policy, including objectives for our continent. In an over-strained Europe amidst mounting pressure from various anti-political movements and parties, what will be the outcome for the United Kingdom? This is my take.
We’ve been out of the European Union for nearly 6 years and it’s safe to say that now, more than ever, we are facing the damaging effects of our isolation. Many thought that with the support of our US counterparts, we would be able to create an independent sovereign, sustainable and improved Britain, to make Britain ‘Great’ again if you will. However, it’s become ever more obvious that the United States, the current government at least, is no friend of the UK or Europe anymore.
The not so subtle threat to Europe
The United States’ National Security Strategy outlines a clear and patronising assault on European continental sovereignty. It speaks of a “prospect of civilisational erasure” in Europe, claiming that the “activities of the European Union and other transnational bodies that undermine political liberty and sovereignty” are altering Europe for the worse.
Which is quite frankly ridiculous.
What isn’t ridiculous is the very real threat that the US has passively made to us by announcing their intention of “cultivating resistance to Europe’s current trajectory within European nations”. This is a direct intention to meddle with our democracy – funnily enough something that they wouldn’t be too fond of happening to themselves. Responses from the European continent have been scarce. However, a few notable figures have expressed their concerns. The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, described parts of the plan as “unacceptable” whilst the President of the European Council said, “The United States cannot replace Europe in its vision of freedom of speech.”
We’ve already faced economic tensions between Europe and the United States in terms of imposed tariffs on goods and services, with the UK currently facing a 25% tariff on steel. To make things more complicated, we are also witnessing the start of the vendetta on British democracy with Trump’s announced intention to sue the BBC for millions of dollars. The BBC made a clumsy error when editing their Panorama report, but it could be argued that there was no impact to the US reputation as the programme wasn’t available to view in the US.
The BBC remains a vital asset to our democracy, and should be reformed properly instead of being attacked and shutdown. Not to mention the fact that this legal case could result in British taxpayer’s money being given to a very wealthy, controlling foreign power. I thought that Brexit was supposed to put an end to foreign interference taking our money?
2026 has started with a diplomatic headache
Now, at the beginning of the new year, 2026 introduced a massive political complication. That being the capture of the Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro. While it is true that under Maduro Venezuela has suffered, particularly as it is considered not to be a free country (according to the Freedom House Index), the actions of President Trump are quite frankly dangerous, reckless and in contravention of international law.
My biggest concern being that, if Mr. Trump has already been successful in taking over one country, what is stopping him from continuing into other countries? As it stands, we are already seeing murmurs of a potential takeover of Greenland for ‘National Security’, despite Greenland being a sovereign state, under the Kingdom of Denmark (a fellow NATO member).
Not to mention the precedent that he has now set for the likes of Russia (in Ukraine) and China (with regards to Taiwan), who have themselves, possibly hypocritically, condemned the actions of the US. The most concerning aspect of all, is that Europe has had to use extremely cautious diplomatic language in order not to fan the flames on the matter. That is now being construed by more outspoken factions as borderline praise for their actions rather than condemnation. But we have no choice. Our hands are tied.
We could agree that the fact Venezuela now has the potential for a fully elected and legitimate government is a positive. But the manner in which that was achieved is far wide of the ‘normal’ mark and has far wider ramifications to international politics than people might initially assume. Perhaps in the age of growing populism, there is potentially a lack of respect for established processes and institutions, causing a lack of concern over the controversial intervention of the US Government in Venezuela.
Starmer has a balancing act
Coming back to home soil, Sir Keir Starmer has a tough job ahead of him – that is maintaining what is left of our ‘special relationship’ whilst balancing, and potentially strengthening, our partnership with our European neighbours.
In the face of the paternalistic tone and intention to mould the EU (to suit their interests) exerted by our ‘colleague’ across the Atlantic, the European Union needs to come closer together, while increasing allegiance with the United Kingdom. This year will mark 10 years since the EU referendum, and quite frankly, could be the year that the UK begins to seriously re-align itself with Europe. In the interest of our security as a continent, protecting our democracy and increasing the resilience of our economies, we must unite Europe.
We are facing uncertain times as a nation and as a continent. I firmly believe it’s in the interest of the UK to have closer ties with our neighbours in mainland Europe. But that does not mean to say we can’t have a ‘special relationship’ with the United States. After all, the UK and the US have always been partners, a difference in politics should not be the end of it.
What do you think?
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