Author Description

"In contrast to other contemporary accounts, this book suggests that the so-called Anglo-American 'special relationship' in many ways became a troubled partnership. It follows the story of General Charles de Gaulle's rise to power in France and the problems this created for the policies of Britain and the United States in the late 1950s and early 1960s." "This interpretation explores the evolution of Anglo-American relations, particularly after France's entry into the nuclear club in February 1960, and explains the growing divergence of the British and American governments. Constantine Pagedas argues that British and American policies gradually became incompatible, culminating with the Skybolt crisis of December 1962, the subsequent Nassau Agreement, and General de Gaulle's veto of Britain's first application to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in January 1963." "The book will be of interest to students of international history and security studies, as well as the informed general reader."--Jacket.