The "Special Relationship" is dead
From The Lowdown from Nick Cohen by Nick Cohen
May 4, 2026 · 46 min · Season 1 · Episode 129
About this episode
Nick Cohen discusses the implications of Trump's foreign policy on U.S.-UK relations and military strategies in Ukraine and Iran with expert Phillips O'Brien.
Trumps disastrous foreign policy on Iran and Ukraine isolates the U.S and the UK! In this latest Lowdown podcast, Nick Cohen talks to distinguished defence expert, Phillips O'Brien from St. Andrews University, about military developments in Ukraine and Iran, focusing on how drone technology is changing the nature of warfare. Phillips explains how Ukraine's use of cheap, mass-produced drones has transformed battlefield dynamics, making traditional heavy armour systems obsolete and causing significant Russian casualties. Phillips and Nick discuss Trump's Iran strategy, with Phillips analysing Trump's psychological dependence on Putin and his desire for a quick military victory that hasn't materialised. They also examine the declining U.S.-Israel relationship in American politics and discussed Britain's post-Brexit foreign policy challenges, particularly regarding the special relationship with the United States and potential rejoining of the European Union. The so-called Special Relationship" is dead - The UK's sucking up to the U.S. will achieve nothing! Phillips says, "King's Charles' visit, sadly, might've unfortunately turned the clock back to make people believe that the…
People in this episode
Host: Nick Cohen
Guest: Phillips O'Brien
Topics covered
- foreign policy
- military developments
- drone technology
- U.S.-UK relations
- Trump administration
- Brexit
- European politics
Keywords
- Trump
- foreign policy
- Ukraine
- Iran
- drones
- U.S.-UK relations
- Brexit
- European Union
- military strategy
- King Charles
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: St. Andrews University
Places: United States, UK, Iran, Ukraine, Europe, Israel, Germany
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