Donald Trump’s bold moves on the global stage are reshaping international relations, challenging the traditional order established by the Peace of Westphalia. His tactics of disregarding sovereignty and pressuring nations like the UK for concessions have raised concerns about potential political and economic ramifications. Trump’s pursuit of American exceptionalism through tariffs, resource demands, and institutional undermining signifies a shift towards unilateral actions and a disregard for established international norms.
The narrative presented in “Vassal State: How America Runs Britain” by Angus Hanton sheds light on the extensive economic dominance of US corporations in the UK. American companies wield significant influence over key economic aspects, from wages to policymaking, while extracting substantial profits and minimizing tax contributions. This economic stranglehold poses a threat to British autonomy and raises questions about the true extent of foreign control over the nation’s economic landscape.
In the summer of 1913, Walter Hines Page, the US ambassador to Great Britain, witnessed the ascendancy of American economic power surpassing that of the British Empire. The infiltration of US corporations into the UK economy has reached staggering levels, with American entities generating over $707 billion in revenue in 2020. This economic stronghold extends to British culture and industry, with US private equity firms acquiring numerous British businesses and assets, resulting in job losses, rent hikes, and a decline in manufacturing opportunities.
The strategic realignment of British foreign policy post-Brexit towards closer ties with the US and allied powers reflects a broader shift in global dynamics. As Britain seeks to navigate the evolving international landscape, the influence of the US and other dominant players looms large. The EU, grappling with its vulnerabilities in a world shaped by US-China power dynamics, faces its own set of challenges amidst this geopolitical recalibration.
The implications of this economic and strategic entanglement between the US and the UK go beyond mere business transactions. The systematic erosion of British sovereignty and economic independence through foreign acquisitions and policy influence raises concerns about the long-term implications for the British population. The prioritization of profitability over transparency by US multinationals has resulted in tax avoidance, job cuts, and the closure of numerous British businesses, impacting livelihoods and communities across the nation.
The intent behind this orchestrated economic dominance and strategic alignment is clear: to consolidate power, influence policy decisions, and maintain control over critical sectors of the British economy. Through a combination of financial leverage, policy manipulation, and strategic partnerships, the actors involved exploit vulnerabilities and loopholes to further their agenda. The means employed, ranging from aggressive acquisitions to regulatory capture, serve to cement the grip of foreign entities on British soil, undermining national sovereignty and economic self-determination.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of this economic subjugation and strategic realignment paints a troubling picture for the future of British autonomy. As the intertwining of US interests with British affairs deepens, the specter of a subordinate position within a global hierarchy looms large. The erosion of economic self-sufficiency, coupled with a strategic pivot towards alignment with dominant powers, signals a shift towards a new world order where control, influence, and power dynamics are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a select few. It is imperative to recognize the patterns at play and the implications of these actions to safeguard the fundamental interests of the British people in the face of mounting external pressures.
