The “Poodle Theory†and the Anglo-American “Special Relationshipâ€

A familiar aspect of the criterion against Britain and Prime Minister Tony Blair's staunch support for America in the recent war against Iraq most relates to the “theory†that Blair is but a mere “poodle†of George Bush; a subservient lieutenant at the beck and call of his master in Washington. A related but more perceptive criticism, shared by many scholars and analysts is the charge that Blair's subservience to Washington is a potent indication that Britain has lost its freedom of manoeuvre in foreign policy. That Britain's close diplomatic, intelligence and defence cooperation with, and dependence on, America have deprived it of the ability to oppose America. The myth of the “special relationship†has condemned Britain to the rank of a mere vassal in the American empire. However, critics may have overstated their case because Blair's choices were influenced substantially by his own strongly held political principles and convictions.