The Transatlantic Dimension of British Euroscepticism

Abstract

The transatlantic factor constitutes a decisive but often neglected aspect of British Euroscepticism. However, the UK’s approach to the European Union cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the role played in it by the relationship that London would still like to believe ‘special’. In practice, as we will see through tangible examples, the American/Atlanticist tropism of the UK establishment is at the root of many positions considered sceptical or downright hostile vis-à-vis the European integration. This peculiar attitude is based on a double disconnection from the otherwise proverbial British pragmatism. First, on the steadfast refusal to enter into a thoroughly interest-based appraisal of the Anglo-American relationship. Second, on the almost visceral rejection of strategically valuable European initiatives. The results are twofold, and mutually supportive in their effect of weakening both the UK options in Europe and the European option as a whole.