A Not-So-Special Relationship

‘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, Paris ‘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 Exploring Germany’s unification from the perspective of the Anglo-American ‘special relationship’ Germany’s unification in October 1990 was one of the most momentous events in modern European history and world politics since the end of World War II. German unity ended the Cold War in Europe and accelerated the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe and the disintegration of the USSR in 1991. It also triggered NATO’s transformation and deepened Europe’s political and economic integration. This book offers new insights into the role that the Anglo-American ‘special relationship’ played in this process, and examines the impact that Germany’s unification had on Anglo-American and transatlantic relations. Luca Ratti is Associate Professor in History of International Relations at the University of Rome 3 and Adjunct Professor in International Relations at The American University of Rome. Cover image: The Fall of the Berlin Wall © The Washington Post/Contributor/Getty Images Cover design: Andy McColm [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN 978-0-7486-4565-7 Barcode