Ripon Forum


Vol. 57, No. 4

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In this edition

In a summer that saw Britain’s Prime Minister visit the White House and America’s President visit 10 Downing Street just over one month later, the latest edition of The Ripon Forum examines The Special Relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and its renewed importance in an increasingly volatile world.

THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP: Why it still matters 77 years after Churchill coined the phrase

The bond between the United States and the United Kingdom was forged during World War II. With Russia on the march and China on the rise, it will be more important than ever in the years ahead.

Britain after Brexit: Mugged by Economic Reality

Most economic trends post-Brexit have come out pretty much as the mainstream economists expected, including losses of around 4% GDP versus pre-Brexit trend growth.

Two Trade Moves to Strengthen the Special Relationship

The New Atlantic Charter and the Atlantic Declaration seek to strengthen the U.S.-UK economic relationship, but without bold action these initiatives will not materially change the status quo.

The U.S., the UK, and the Politics of Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has reaffirmed the salience of the Special Relationship. But the gap between U.S. commitment and the UK’s is also highly significant.

Dawn of the Not-So-Golden Era of UK-China Relations

Given Xi Jinping’s lifetime tenure and his apparently careful study of Mao Zedong’s rise, a difficult period lies ahead, with the pendulum of China’s tick-tock relations with Britain stuck at a cold extreme.

Proving the Benefits of AUKUS

The landmark agreement between Australia, the UK, and the U.S. to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines shows America’s commitment to deter Chinese aggression.

A Brief History of the Special Relationship

From Churchill visiting FDR over Christmas of 1941 to Biden’s visit with Sunak this summer, an examination of key moments that made the U.S.-UK partnership what it is today.

Should Ukraine Be Allowed to Join NATO? Yes, Ukraine is Fighting for its Freedom — and Ours

Ukraine’s argument is essentially that because Russia has never attacked a NATO country, peace for Europe requires Ukraine’s NATO accession. It’s a strong argument.

Should Ukraine Be Allowed to Join NATO? No, The Alliance is Supposed to Enhance – not Sacrifice – U.S. Security

The promise to go to war should be reserved for the most important interests – ones that are vital, even existential. Ukraine is not one.

Ripon Profile of Katie Britt

The first-term Senator from Alabama discusses her new job on Capitol Hill and what Republicans should do to reclaim their majority in the Senate next year.

Letters to the editor

A letter to the editor from former Member of Congress Bob Walker (PA-16).

Ripon Profile of Katie Britt

Name & Occupation: Katie Boyd Britt; U.S. Senator for Alabama

Previous jobs held: President & CEO, Business Council of Alabama; Chief of Staff, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby; Attorney, Butler Snow LLP; Special Assistant to the President, University of Alabama; Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby; Deputy Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby

You’ve been in the Senate for just over six months. What has surprised you most about the job? Having first walked into the Hart Senate Office Building as an intern 20 years ago, it is an incredible honor to now walk these halls as a Senator and have my name on the door. I still have to pinch myself some days – however I’m quickly humbled when I’m still stopped and asked for my staff ID from time to time.

As the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate, what is one piece of advice for young women across the country considering running for office? We need you to get off the sidelines and into the arena, whether it’s the U.S. Senate or your local schoolboard. Don’t be afraid to make that leap of faith and put yourself out there. When I first got into the Republican primary, I was polling at 2% and my opponent was at 65%. But through hard work and determination, we were able to build an amazing campaign and eventually win 66 of 67 counties in that primary. We won by going old school, visiting every single county, going out to meet farmers and small business owners, taking our message to the people.

What is one problem facing Alabamians that you are working to resolve in the Senate? I ran for the Senate because I wanted to preserve the American Dream for my children and for generations to come. The fact that I’m a product of public schools in Coffee County, Alabama, and now vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate is proof that in this country, it’s not your zip code that matters, but your integrity, your character, your work ethic, and the way you treat people. I’m fighting every day to grow 21st century opportunities for hardworking Americans and defend Alabamians’ values, interests, and liberties.

Finally, what must the GOP do in the Senate to reclaim its majority? The Republican Party is the party of parents and families. When we take our message to the American people, we have to focus on solutions to the crises that every family is facing around their kitchen table right now. The disastrous Biden Administration has made our country weaker and the world more dangerous at every turn. We know they don’t have the right answers. It’s time to put hardworking Americans back in the driver’s seat.