Abstract
Anglo-German relations number among the key Transatlantic and European security partnerships. While devoided of the great symbolism and institutionalisation which characterises post-World War II Anglo-American or Franco-German relations, there has traditionally been little tension or discord between London and Berlin on issues of military security. Security relations have been characterised by generally successful, but quiet and sparsely publicised, pragmatic cooperation on a range of issues. Today, the UK and German are important security partners in Europe. They have a mutual interest in working together to adapt NATO to address two new challenges: (1) a resurgent and revisionist Russia in the east, and (2) unregulated migration and terrorism to the south. This partnership in NATO will in all likelihood continue, irrespective of Brexit. However, Brexit will diminish the UKs stature and influence. Also, if EU defence cooperation deepens as a result of Brexit, Germany and the UK will drift further apart. Beyond Europe, the UK is, and will remain, a far more assertive security actor than Germany. Compared to the UK, Germany’s expeditionary military capabilities are limited and its strategic and military cultures are timid. This will continue to place limits on Anglo-German security and defence cooperation beyond Europe.
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Saxi, H.L. (2019). British-German Defence and Security Relations After Brexit: Quo Vadis, ‘Silent Alliance’?. In: Johnson, R., Matlary, J.H. (eds) The United Kingdom’s Defence After Brexit. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97169-8_6
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