Political analysts warn that the United States and the United Kingdom’s decision to overlook the repercussions of broadening the conflict in the Middle East poses a significant risk. The naval assaults by the US and UK on Houthi military sites in Yemen have created a delicate situation in the region, with the potential for an escalation of tensions in the Red Sea, posing threats to international trade and navigation. British influence on international disputes marks the onset of a new era in foreign policy, as it strategically aligns with the United States on Middle East issues. This article explores the reasons behind the strategic cooperation between the UK and the US in foreign policy matters. It examines the objectives the UK aims to achieve by expanding its presence in international conflicts.
America and the UK’s decision to intervene militarily in the Middle East
British influence on international disputes has increased due to strategic cooperation with America on Middle Eastern issues. The American and British governments decided, instead of resolving several crises in the Middle East, including the Gaza war, through negotiations and discussions with warships, to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and fighter jets at the targets of Houthis in Yemen in 16 sites, including Sana’a, the capital of Yemen. American attacks on Yemen and Houthis’s response will cause an inevitable economic shock to the region, the example of which can be seen in Hudaydah Port. With their attacks, they proved how they have spread the crisis in Gaza to the south of the region and worsened the humanitarian quagmire in Yemen.
US and UK actions in Yemen strain international relations
Three years ago, the Houthis agreed to engage in talks with the Saudi coalition under the auspices of the United Nations or with the international involvement of nations such as Russia, China, and Germany. However, in 2024, the United States and the United Kingdom are undermining any potential for diplomatic efforts to thrive in the region. The absence of diplomacy and communication is precisely what China’s Foreign Ministry highlighted on January 12, urging all relevant parties to avoid escalating the conflict in Yemen and to uphold open communication channels. Mao Ning, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, underscored the importance of preserving “security and stability” in the Red Sea, especially amid economic disruptions resulting from the Gaza war. He emphasised that the Red Sea remains a crucial international trade route for goods and energy. Consequently, he expressed hope that all parties would act responsibly and in the common interests of the international community.
The UK seeks to restore international credit
The upcoming UK parliamentary election might coincide with the US presidential election, bringing the political relationship between these enduring allies in Britain to the forefront. In this scenario, the right-wing conservatives would likely welcome Trump’s return, whereas the Labour Party would adopt a more cautious approach towards the EU. The issue of Brexit is unquestioned by Britain’s largest opposition party. However, if Trump follows through on his threat to withdraw the US from NATO, a security pact with the EU becomes a plausible option under a potential Labour-led government. A Trump victory could expedite Britain’s realignment with the EU, especially if a Labour government comes into power.
Consequences of ignoring the spread of tensions in the Middle East
The administrations of Biden and Sunak have justified their attacks on the premise of guaranteeing freedom of navigation and international trade. US and British naval attacks on Houthi targets only worsened the situation by increasing oil prices and disrupting trade. After the escalation of conflicts in the Red Sea and the US and British attacks on Houthis positions in Yemen, the European Brent crude oil index jumped more than 3% and reached more than 80 dollars per barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude oil also increased by more than 3% and reached more than 75 dollars per barrel. As a result, the decision of the United States and the UK to ignore the consequences of expanding the scope of the conflict in the Middle East can damage their international credibility. In particular, David Cameron seeks to increase British influence on international disputes.
Increasing strategic cooperation between the United States and UK in case of Trump’s victory
When Donald Trump moved into the White House in 2017, he put a bust of Winston Churchill back in his office. To this day, British conservatives have not forgotten about this action of this republican. So it’s no surprise that former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now predicting making “the West stronger” and “the world more stable”. After Trump’s victory in the primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire, the British government is preparing for the return of the Republicans.
British and American foreign policy alignment in the new era
The upcoming UK parliamentary election might coincide with the US presidential election, elevating the political dynamics between these long-standing allies in Britain. In this scenario, the right-wing conservatives would welcome Trump’s return, whereas the Labour Party would approach the EU cautiously. Brexit is undisputed within Britain’s largest opposition party. However, should Trump carry out his threat to withdraw the US from NATO, the possibility of a security pact with the EU increases under a potential Labour-led government. A Trump victory could potentially hasten Britain’s realignment with the EU, particularly if a Labour government assumes power.
Britain’s close cooperation with America in foreign policy
The UK stands out as the European country most significantly impacted by the potential return of Trump. From trade to security policy, London has increasingly aligned itself with the United States, especially following the Trump-backed Brexit. The joint airstrikes against Yemenis in the Red Sea underscore the close military cooperation between the two nations. Apart from France, Britain is the only nuclear power in Europe, a fact leading Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party in the European Union Parliament, to propose enhanced cooperation with the UK. He suggests that the British, like other European nations, need help in ensuring their security, requiring additional funds, particularly for their two aircraft carriers. Weber expressed to Politico that given the years and a decade of Brexit, it may now be appropriate to initiate an organised and structured dialogue with Great Britain.
The UK is trying to redefine its position in international politics
If the Conservatives lose the British election and Trump wins in Washington, the situation in the UK will change fundamentally. Rishi Sunak’s government’s effort to increase British influence on international disputes is evaluated in the sense that government officials are trying to compensate for the damage caused by Brexit. They try to take an independent policy in international relations and redefine the role of the UK in international politics. Therefore, it can be said that the strategic partnership between the UK and the United States in the Middle East region in recent months is visible in cases such as the bombing of Yemen. It is expected that in future military conflicts in the Middle East, Britain should play an active role in the field of logistics information and operational assistance, as well as media and diplomacy for the United States.
