The Special Relationship Under Strain
May 6, 2026
UK APPROVAL OF US LEADERSHIP
28%
2024 Gallup — near historic low
BRENT CRUDE SURGE
+34%
price rise since Gulf conflict escalation
ROYAL STATE VISITS TO US
4
total since 1939 — each a deliberate signal
UK GDP GROWTH FORECAST
0.4%
IMF 2025 projection amid stagflation risk
NATO DEFENCE SPEND TARGET
2% GDP
UK one of few allies currently meeting it
UK Public Approval of US Leadership (%) — Gallup World Poll
Key Questions
Sources: Gallup World Poll · IMF World Economic Outlook · EIA Crude Oil Prices · UK Parliament Records · NATO Secretary General Annual Reports
Data sources
UK Approval of US Leadership (Gallup World Poll)· GallupBrent Crude Oil Prices, Annual Average· U.S. Energy Information AdministrationIMF World Economic Outlook — UK GDP Projections· International Monetary FundNATO Defence Expenditure as % of GDP· NATO Secretary GeneralUK LNG Import Data and Gas Supply Mix· National Grid ESO / NESOHistory of British Royal State Visits to the United States· UK Parliament / Royal HouseholdUS-UK Trade Relationship and Post-Brexit Negotiations· Office of the United States Trade Representative