As an island nation, Britain has a natural defensive barrier that other European countries lack, but decision-makers over the centuries were highly aware that invading armies could cross the channel. As a result, Britain’s chief strategic priority has been to minimize any potential security threats emanating from the other side of the channel and to prevent the rise of a hegemon able to dominate the Continent.
Today, Britain has a dual strategy. It works to maintain a strong bilateral relationship with the U.S. while also remaining a player on the European Continent in an attempt to retain some influence and balance any potential hegemons.
The Geopolitics of the American President