A Not-So-Special Relationship

Historical depth applied to a big theme can render rich lessons. That is what Luca Ratti accomplishes beautifully in his intricate exposé of subtle but important differences between the American and British governments on the question of Germany. On this question, the “special Anglo-American relationship” was often strained. Ratti explores why this was so and helps us think about the relationship after Brexit and President Trump, and what role Germany may play in it. -- Alexander Moens, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver
When in May 1989 George H. W. Bush offered a 'partnership in leadership' to Germany and not Britain, Margaret Thatcher was in disbelief. Yet the fall of the Berlin Wall less than six months later confirmed the waning importance of the alleged 'special relationship' between the UK and the US. Because it covers an intriguing and all-too-neglected angle of the end of the Cold War and German unification, Luca Ratti’s book is a welcome and important addition to the fast-growing literature on this topic. -- Frédéric Bozo, Université de la Sorbonne Nouvelle