A Strained Partnership? : US–UK relations in the era of détente, 1969–77

Thomas Robb

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Year: 2017
• eBook ISBN: 9781526129383
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: International Relations
• Index: Politics & International Relations

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.

Table of contents

• A strained partnership?: US-UK relations in the era of détente, 1969–77
• Half Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Abbreviations
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Re-assessing foreign policy 1969–72
• 3. A year of discord 1973–74
• 4. Wilson returns 1974–76
• 5. All out of money 1976–77
• 6. Conclusion
• Select bibliography
• Index