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United Kingdom
The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has led some British commentators to suggest that their country has become the de facto 51st state. Some have suggested that the UK should join the U.S. (such as this example), as it would thus become the wealthiest and most populous states in the Union – and therefore the most politically influential, though almost no one in the UK or the U.S. sees this as ever likely to occur. However, if it were to happen, the United Kingdom would have to discontinue its monarchy, or the United States would have to amend its constitution, in which Article IV, Section 4 begins, "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government".

In cultural terms, various American television programs are becoming increasingly popular, as are films, fashion and literature. Economically, supermarkets and fast food retailers are seen as having been imported from the U.S. to the detriment of old small businesses among the elderly, but is seen as a convenience among the general populace. The film The 51st State (renamed Formula 51 for its U.S. release) explores the supposed migration of American criminality to the UK, particularly drug trafficking and gangs. Politically, the decline of the British Empire and the growth of American influence is seen by many as inextricably linked, with the loss of the UK's colonies and naval dominance being the price of American help during World War II; few believed the UK was cozying up to a new imperial power in an attempt to retain some influence in world affairs.

The presence of U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and other military & intelligence facilities on British soil from World War II to the present day, especially the large buildup during the Cold War, is taken as clear evidence of American influence. The UK is of great importance to the U.S. Air Force, given its "strategic position" in the world.

Some critics on the political right expressed concern at the possible loss of sovereignty, and the apparent lack of reciprocity in the relationship — while the UK supported America in the Korean War, America did not support the UK during the Suez Crisis. Critics on the left were particularly exercised by Britain following America's lead in dealing with communist countries. The UK's rhetorical support for the U.S. during the Vietnam War led to some protests, although it made no official military commitments. Later, the U.S., this time under Ronald Reagan, secretly assisted the British government of Margaret Thatcher during the Falklands War against Argentina, in the process pushing the limits of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance. (However, direct actions against Argentina would not have been in violation of the treaty as Argentina was the aggressor in the conflict. Also, the US had commitments of its own to the UK through the North Atlantic Treaty.) The UK continued to be America's strongest ally after the end of the Cold War, reestablished during the Reagan-Thatcher era and once again re-awakened by Tony Blair's strong support of George W. Bush in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, most noticeably through their relaxed friendly manner when in each other's company. The UKUSA Community was formed to counter terrorism and to share intelligence.

There is also limited discussion on the fringes of political debate in the UK of the United Kingdom pulling out of the European Union and joining the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). However, the UK would have to re-negotiate trade links with the EU, which accounts for over 60% of UK trade,[citation needed] compared to NAFTA members (15% of the UK exports and 8.7% of imports come from the largest NAFTA member, the USA). Many British commentators, however, feel that Gordon Brown, the new Prime Minister, wishes to withdraw British support for Iraq and that he would not be influenced by the U.S. as Tony Blair has been.

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