In the ever-evolving landscape of international relations, alliances are essential for fostering cooperation, promoting stability, and addressing global challenges.
The United States, as a major player on the world stage, maintains a network of strong allies that contribute to the nation’s security, economic prosperity, and shared values.
Best Allies of the United States
Here, we highlight the top 10 best allies of the United States, partners whose collaboration has stood the test of time and continues to shape the course of international affairs.
United Kingdom
The “Special Relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom is rooted in shared history, values, and a commitment to democratic principles. This alliance has withstood the challenges of time and remains a cornerstone of both nations’ foreign policies.
Often abbreviated as United Kingdom, UK, or Britain, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a sovereign state situated on Europe’s northwest coast.
It is a Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy that is presently headed by Queen Elizabeth II, with Boris Johnson serving as prime minister. The United Kingdom is a unitary state made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Although it is presently a member of the European Union, it began the process of withdrawing from the Union in 2016 and is scheduled to do so in October 2019.
Canada
The US-Canada partnership is not only defined by geographic proximity but also by a deep economic and cultural connection. The two nations collaborate closely on trade, defense, and a range of global issues.
Canada, the second-largest country globally at 9.985 million km², shares a border with the United States in North America. Established as a dominion on July 1, 1867, it comprises 10 provinces and 3 territories. Major cities include Toronto, Quebec City, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg, St. John’s, and Fredericton. Ottawa, the capital in Ontario, boasts Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada. Canada’s official languages are French Canadian and British English, with the national anthem, “O Canada,” adopted in 1980. Notable attractions include Niagara Falls, often preferred on the Canadian side according to a cross-border survey.
Germany
As a key player in the European Union, Germany is a vital ally for the United States. The alliance focuses on economic cooperation, security, and shared commitments to democracy and human rights.
With King Wilhelm of Prussia as the emperor, Germany was formally united in 1871 at Bismarck’s suggestion. In essence, a continuation of Charlemagne’s/Karl der Grosse’s empire, the former “Holy Roman Empire” was disbanded in 1806.
After the First World War, some land was lost, and after the Second World War, much more, primarily due to Hitler’s Nazi rule. After that, the Soviets maintained their zone, known as the “DDR,” or East Germany, apart with a wall running through the center of Berlin, until 1990, when the two countries were reunited.
Japan
The US-Japan alliance is pivotal for stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Both nations collaborate on defense, technology, and economic matters, reinforcing their commitment to regional peace and prosperity.
Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean in East Asia. Stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and close to Taiwan in the southwest, it is located off the eastern coast of the Asian Mainland, east of China, Korea, and Russia.
Japan includes several cities, including Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sendai, in addition to its enormous capital city, Tokyo. It is situated near South Korea, which lies to its northwest. With 126.86 million residents, it has a sizable population (Statistics Bureau of Japan, Retrieved April 27, 2016).
Australia
Sharing common values and a commitment to democratic principles, the U.S. and Australia collaborate closely on security matters, counterterrorism efforts, and scientific research, strengthening ties in the Asia-Pacific region.
The continent of Australia, the island of Tasmania, and several other smaller islands make up the sovereign nation known as Australia, or officially the Commonwealth of Australia.
Australia, with 7,617,930 square kilometers (2,941,300 sq mi), is the largest country in Oceania and the sixth largest country in the world in terms of area. The oldest, flattest, driest, and least fertile continent is Australia, which also has the least productive soils.
With deserts in the center, tropical rainforests in the northeast, and mountain ranges in the south-east, this megadiverse nation has a vast range of weather and landscapes.
France
The historic alliance between the U.S. and France has been instrumental in addressing global challenges, from counterterrorism to climate change. The two nations often find common ground in promoting multilateral solutions to complex issues.
Officially known as the French Republic, France is a sovereign nation that includes parts of western Europe as well as a number of overseas areas and territories.
Metropolitaine France, the portion of France that is located in Europe, stretches from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and North Sea. With 67 million people living there, France is a country covering 675,000 km2 (251,000 mi2). (data from 2017).
South Korea
The US-South Korea alliance is crucial for maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula and addressing regional security concerns. The partnership extends beyond defense to include economic collaboration and cultural exchanges.
South Korea, also known as the Republic of Korea (ROK), is an East Asian nation that shares a land border with North Korea and occupies the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula.
The Yellow Sea forms its western border, while the Sea of Japan defines its eastern border. The government of South Korea asserts its exclusive right to rule over the entire peninsula and its neighboring islands. Of its 51.75 million inhabitants, about half reside in the Seoul Capital Area, the world’s fifth-largest metropolis. Daegu, Busan, and Incheon are a few more significant cities.
Israel
United by shared democratic values, the US and Israel have a strong alliance focused on security, intelligence cooperation, and technological innovation. The partnership is vital for addressing common regional challenges.
Israel is a nation in Western Asia, formally known as the State of Israel. It is bordered to the north by Lebanon, to the east by Syria, to the west by Jordan, and to the southwest by Egypt.
It is located on the northern shore of the Red Sea and the southeast by the Mediterranean Sea. To the east and west are the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
While the government’s seat is in Jerusalem, the country’s economic and technological hub is Tel Aviv. However, international recognition of Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem is disputed.
India
In recent years, the US-India relationship has strengthened significantly. The two nations collaborate on defense, trade, and technology, recognizing the strategic importance of their partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
South Asia contains the nation of India, formally known as the Republic of India. With a population of over 1.2 billion, it is the second most populous country in the world, the most populous democracy, and the seventh largest country in terms of area.
New Delhi serves as its capital. Other significant cities include Ahemdabad, Chennai, and Mumbai. There are 22 official Indian languages, with Hindi and English being the most widely spoken.
NATO Allies
While NATO is a collective defense alliance, individual member countries such as Turkey, Poland, and the Baltic states are crucial allies for the United States. NATO’s strength lies in its commitment to mutual defense and shared democratic values.
Read more: Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill: Authorities Scramble To Identify Source And Contain Damage
Building a Safer, Prosperous Global Order
The United States network of allies plays a pivotal role in shaping the global order and addressing challenges that transcend national borders.
These alliances are built on shared values, common interests, and a commitment to fostering a safer, more prosperous world. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the enduring strength of these alliances remains a cornerstone of US foreign policy.
Read more: Cuba Joins Hands With Palestine: President Leads March In Havana
