USA/UK special relationship?

[SeptimusWarrenSmith]

Why is there one? I get it in the context of colonial carving up, but post 1945 for the UK it just seems to be about siding with the guys who were first (and only, to date) to use nuclear weapons on civilian populations.

Is that all there is to it? What am I missing?

Shared history. Shared language. Shared values.

And many people feel that America saved the U.K. in WWII, which would be an eternal incalculable debt. If Baltic hatreds and Muslim hatreds can last for centuries, surely U.K. appreciation should last for more than 80 years.

Shared history. Shared language. Shared values.

Well that's bullshit flannel obvs.

And many people feel that America saved the U.K. in WWII, which would be an eternal incalculable debt.

Exactly that's what I'm talking about.

We like them because they nuked civilians to end WWII. And maybe are a bit scared of them in consequence? After all, no other country has done this.

But is there really nothing more to it?

Because that's kind of old. And a war crime.

Sorry, do you feel that you "share" more with Italy? Or Greece? Or Cambodia? Or Chile?

No. Even if the bomb never existed. Should I point out that the bomb ended the war in the Pacific, but this thread is more about the war in Europe?

It generally refers to the ongoing accord/relationship between the governments/leaders of the two countries and the continued alignment in multiple areas of policy/sharing of intelligence, technology, etc. which is remarkable because it persistently exists outside of formal structures. Of course there are closer relationships overall - the USA with Canada and Mexico, the EU countries, Australia/NZ to name a few - but those are formal alliances bound by treaties with mutually agreed shared rules. The "special relationship" was supposed to be remarkable as it was claimed it relied on natural alignment and affinity across multiple areas of policy and over time, and would exist with or without specific formal ties or agreements.

We like to think there is a special relationship with the US. But from the point of view of people on the street in the US, the UK is a small insignificant country with an outdated monarchy and they are not aware of any special relationship at all. It’s one-sided.

We like them because they nuked civilians to end WWII.

...Err..I really don't know where to start with addressing that misunderstanding so perhaps it might be best if I don't..

@Paslaptis has explained the basics, @Egghead68 has pointed out some of the current reality....