The relationship between Britain and America has been the most important bilateral relationship the world has ever seen. Anglo-American Relations in the Twentieth Century covers the whole of this century and employs selected historical detail to expose this complex relationship in its true light. Dobson rejects the claim that the US was ever hegemonical. He explores the special relationship between the two nations paying close attention to:

• the First World War
• inter-war economic relations
• the Suez Crisis
• Iran in the 1960s
• Grenada in 1983
• the Gulf War

These events clearly demonstrate that America has had to bargain with Britain, not always get its way. However, the two nations have co-operated in every major crisis from the Great to the Gulf war, and together promoted liberal democracy and capitalism. This story reveals both more interdependence and conflict than has been recognised in the past. Nuclear, intelligence, defence and other links between the USA and Britain continue to this day, but the importance of the `special relationship'' has diminished for both countries. Have common interests disappeared to an extent that the scope for bilateral cooperation has diminished to insignificance?