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The close ties between the United States and the United Kingdom have roots in history, culture, language, political tradition, and strategic interest. Now, however, strains in the modern “special relationship” have never been more apparent. Great Britain has long been the closest partner of the United States in Europe. The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union has raised fresh questions about critical elements of the relationship; Brexit and its aftermath, some expect, portend a long-lasting inward turn in UK politics. It comes at a time of considerable uncertainty about where the United States is headed and what American expectations and priorities are for transatlantic relations.

On March 5, 91���� Institute hosted a conversation on this special relationship with Kori Schake. Kori Schake is the newly-appointed deputy director-general of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London and author of Safe Passage: The Transition from British to American Hegemony. Schake’s book offers a richly detailed exploration of the gradual and peaceful handoff in global responsibilities from Britain to the United States during the decades spanning the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries—a foundational strategic element of the special relationship. Ms. Schake was joined by 91���� Institute Senior Fellow Tod Lindberg.