Anglo American military cooperation in Afghanistan 2001–2014†. (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chin, Warren
• Is Part Of: Journal of transatlantic studies. Volume 15:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Transatlantic cooperation -- military alliances -- counterinsurgency -- war on terror -- Afghanistan; Europe -- Foreign relations -- United States -- Periodicals; United States -- Foreign relations -- Europe -- Periodicals; 327.407
• DOI: 10.1080/14794012.2016.1268790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-4012

Abstract

Abstract : This paper explores a paradox. On the one hand it is believed that 9/11 rekindled the UK–US special relationship, but at the same time it has been argued that British mismanagement of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan caused relations to deteriorate. Whilst I agree with part of this analysis in that Iraq represented a nadir in Anglo American relations I believe Afghanistan did not follow this trajectory. A wide range of factors help to explain this change in fortune, but I focus on the role played by the British military in restoring the trust and confidence of its US counterpart and argue that this institutional relationship was and is a vital component in the Anglo American Alliance.