In Europe, July 1, 2005, marked a day of concern as Great Britain ascended to the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union (EU). Many across the English Channel fear this shift, as the future of Europe appears to favor the British model over the Franco-German model. British Prime Minister Tony Blair is poised to direct this transition, despite the likelihood that EU presidents rarely succeed in their proposals for the bureaucratic entity. Great Britain has historically recognized that a united Continental power poses the only real threat to its interests, adhering to a balance-of-power principle over centuries. When the EU emerged as a potential political and military powerhouse, Britain joined not to advance it but to hinder its development into such an entity while reaping economic benefits. Since joining, London has successfully blocked French aims for a stronger, more politically integrated union. Britain's strategy includes supporting the expansion of majority voting on EU developments while limiting veto power on issues that would enable Europe to function as a unified entity. This approach ensures that tools for centralized control over foreign affairs and tax policy remain with national governments. Consequently, the EU poses minimal political and military threat to the United Kingdom but represents a significant challenge to the French economic model. Under current EU voting structures, Britain, along with newer, more economically liberal members, can outvote France by a wide margin.

During a visit to Great Britain in April 2016, President Obama, in a joint news conference with then-Prime Minister David Cameron, addressed America's oldest ally by suggesting that a UK-US trade agreement was not imminent due to the focus on negotiating with the European Union, placing the UK at the back of the queue. This statement was perceived as a threat to push the British to remain in the European Union and vote against Brexit, which aimed to restore the sovereignty of the United Kingdom. The remark stirred strong reactions among the British, with many feeling disrespected by the interference in their politics and the dismissive tone toward a loyal ally. Two months later, on June 23, 2016, nearly three-quarters of UK citizens voted to leave the European Union by a margin of 51.9% to 49.1%, with England and Wales supporting Brexit, while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain. Fast forward to 2019, during the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, the historical alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom was highlighted as they had stood shoulder to shoulder in 1944 to liberate Europe and restore national sovereignty. Despite past tensions from President Obama's remarks, President Trump reaffirmed the special bond and trading status with the UK, emphasizing solidarity during events with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. The Queen expressed confidence in the enduring alliance and shared values uniting the two nations. President Trump praised Her Majesty as a symbol of dignity, duty, and patriotism, toasting to the eternal friendship and shared heritage of freedom and sovereignty. The British press, often critical of Trump, lauded the reaffirmation of this historic bond. Historically, Great Britain's rise to power was marked by pivotal events such as the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, where weather and strategic failures thwarted Spanish invasion attempts, shifting naval dominance from Spain to England. This allowed England to become the British Empire, ruling the seas for centuries and expanding into a company of nations. The repeated failures of Spanish armadas, often due to harsh weather conditions, underscored this transition of power, culminating in the Treaty of London in 1604, after which Spain ceased such ventures.