As a 'Brit' in the US, I found an article stating that the "UK government needs to be 'less deferential' towards the US and more willing to say no to Washington" very interesting. When I think about the future of international relations, I start to agree that maybe this 'special relationship' is not the best direction for the UK.
Though the European Union, and in particular the Euro, is not going through the best period at the moment, it is obvious that this sort of financial model will be the bases of future free-market integration. Even here in the US there are whispers of an economic alliance and single currency between the NAFTA countries. Whether or not that is a possibility, the issue still remains that the US is finding it harder compete with the ever growing economies of China, India and even Brazil. In comparison, until the economic crisis and the 'Greece issue' the European Union and the Euro were steadily growing and holding their own against these developing economies. Therefore the question arises for British politicians, should we put our special relationship with the US ahead of the important alliance with have with Europe?
And what about the other way. Do the Americans want this special relationship? Is it an important part of their future? I believe that the Obama presidency represents a shift in US international policy. He seems to see the importance in international relationships and will most likely be hoping to not only secure the US/UK alliance but also use it to help enhance connections with other European countries.