Reassessing Old Ties: The Special Relationship and Australia's Identity

Historical ties between former imperial powers and former colonies continue to be regularly reassessed in the contemporary English-speaking world.

The Special Relationship Between the United Kingdom and the United States

The term "special relationship" refers to the privileged historical ties between the United Kingdom and the United States, founded on a shared language, culture and military alliances, although this relationship is also regularly debated as to its real balance.

The special relationship has shaped decades of close diplomatic and military cooperation, though its balance of power has often favoured the United States.

Australia Between Two Legacies

Australia today finds itself at the crossroads of two legacies: its historical and cultural European roots, inherited from British colonisation, and its economic and strategic future increasingly turned towards the Asia-Pacific region.

Concrete Example

The development of trade between Australia and China, which has become its main trading partner, concretely illustrates this gradual shift of Australia towards the Asia-Pacific region, while retaining strong cultural and institutional ties with the United Kingdom.

L'essentiel

The special relationship: a privileged tie between the United Kingdom and the United States, regularly debated as to its real balance.
Australia: illustrates the tension between European heritage and an economic future turned towards the Asia-Pacific.