ABSTRACT
The chapter explores how the “Brexit” referendum has put pressure on the “special relationship” between the U.S.A. and the UK. By diminishing ties with the European Union (EU), Brexit increases the UK’s reliance on its “special relationship” with the U.S.A. for its ontological security and catalyzes efforts to sustain it, leading to the evolution of identity-driven resilience mechanisms. Looking at interaction and cooperation in trade and data protection management, there are two main mechanisms: symbolic and rhetorical affirmation of joint identity and role confirmation of the UK as a junior partner leading to a (unilateral) division of labor. While the relationship has hitherto proven resilient, the chapter shows that the effect of Brexit will ultimately depend on the willingness of the U.S.A. to reciprocate – which is reduced due to the loss of Britain’s power inside the EU.
