Thatcher adored Reagan – why has that Special Relationship floundered? Asks PEGGY GRANDE

As the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, concluded last week, the only person who made news was not even a G-7 member. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a last-minute appearance, brought star power to an otherwise bland assembly of national leaders. Together the G-7 represents nearly half of the world’s wealth, but among the things money can’t buy - is statesmanship.

Yes, the group made bold statements, particularly condemning China, but without a record of collective strength, those are meaningless coming from the current cohort. The world needs leaders of action, not just words - they need a strong G-7, and the G-7 needs a strong bond between the US and UK to be most effective.

Today, the free world is on its heels as capitulation to radical progressive ideology has created weakness from within, endangering our values, while our enemies are uniting to destroy Western civilization. As an emboldened China continues to flex its muscle and pursue its global ambition, many long for the days of statecraft which protected safety and security, not just feelings. And focused on defeating adversaries, not facilitating decline through policies that pose as socially responsible but are gutting society’s core.

In the Reagan-Thatcher era of the 1980s, the “Special Relationship” gave leadership to the G-7 while facilitating the end of the Cold War, supporting emerging democracies all over Eastern Europe, and providing an alliance of global guidance and inspiration. With effective policies, consistent and aligned messaging, and a relentless pursuit of shared goals, the world was changed. The diplomatic statecraft required then had the statesmen it needed. We now realize how uniquely special the “Special Relationship” was back then.

Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in 1979, but it wasn’t until July of 1981 that US President Ronald Reagan attended his first G-7 Summit with her. After his inauguration in January and the assassination attempt on his life at the end of March, Prime Minister Thatcher, the other leaders, and the world, had great interest in how Reagan would approach this summit.

Around the table for the first time, flanked by Margaret Thatcher (UK), Pierre Trudeau (Canada), Helmut Schmidt (then West Germany), and fellow newcomers Francois Mitterrand (France), Zenko Suzuki (Japan) and Giovanni Spadolini (Italy), in characteristic Reagan humor, he broke the ice by saying, “Hi, I’m Ron.”

While previous Summits had been very formal, Reagan felt it was important for these leaders with shared interests to have a personal connection, not just a political one. This is how Ronald Reagan, the Great Communicator, made a point and made an impact. For him, interactions weren’t just rhetoric, they were relational. He knew that was how to get things done, not just discussed. He made it look easy, but in watching today’s leaders, we know it’s not. That skill doesn’t automatically come with the title.

Ronald Reagan’s relationship with Margaret Thatcher was especially close ideologically as well as personally warm. They have been described as “political soulmates”. So much so, that at times Prime Minister Thatcher would say, “Ron and I think ….” They were not only on a first-name basis, but shared a world view, goals for peace, and plans for more prosperous nations. This not only made the “Special Relationship” strong but made the world safer.

During that same era, Ronald Reagan’s personal friendship with the Queen reinforced the closeness, mutual respect, and commitment between the US and UK. This alliance was the envy of other nations who wished they too had a “Special Relationship” with a country that always had their back.

Now more than ever, the strength and stability to the world which the “Special Relationship” provides, is needed. Unfortunately, under President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, it appears the relationship between the UK and US is not a priority. They broadcast neither confidence nor unified resolve.

Regrettably, these statesmen and their version of statecraft are failing - both domestically and abroad. If they don’t recommit with the intention to greater engagement and mutual support, they will go down in history for souring and squandering the “Special Relationship” they inherited, to the detriment of both nations, and the world.

Peggy Grande was executive assistant to Ronald Reagan and is author of “The President Will See You Now”. She was Chair of World for Brexit and served as a political appointee in the Trump Administration. Peggy serves on the Board of Pepperdine School of Public Policy, and the Board of The Center for American Ideas.