Bonds That Bind

Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt highlighted the bond and relationship between the two countries during World War II. Abraham Lincoln and Prime Minister William Gladstone had a very high regard and respect for each other as America was convulsing to rid itself of slavery.

America, like Britain, has numerous political and economic differences with Europe. Britain has more historical differences with Europe, especially France. In fact, it is not sure it wants to adopt the new European Constitution, or even be part of the European Union. America looks down on “old Europe” while embracing the “new Europe.” Many in America resent Europe for not supporting the U.S. in Iraq. Newspaper editorials and stories, have lamented how America can’t depend on Europe even though America rebuilt Europe after World War II and defended it against Soviet aggression for 50 years. The feeling is mutual. Most “old Europeans” look down on America and Britain with disdain and contempt.

Since America and Britain are having so many differences with Europe at the dawn of the 21st century, doesn’t it make sense that they establish a more comprehensive bilateral transatlantic alliance? Isn’t a more robust bilateral transatlantic alliance preferable to trying to sustain and salvage the frazzled hostile multilateral transatlantic alliance? In fact, why not throw Australia and New Zealand into the mix since they are not really part of Europe or Asia. Both countries have more in common with America and Britain than they do with Asia or Europe. Australia, like Britain, has stood by America through all its conflicts, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. Australia and New Zealand are America’s most logical alliance in Asia ─ after China.