On 16 June, 2021, US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Johnson signed a new version of the ‘Atlantic Charter.’
Background
The Atlantic Charter was a joint declaration issued during World War II (1939-45) by the United States and Great Britain that set out a vision for the post-war world order that prioritized
the self-determination of sovereign nations,
the reduction of trade barriers,
the disarmament of hostile nations
a united drive to ensure better economic and social conditions for all people.
It was a historic declaration of cooperation between the two countries and the foundation for their ‘special relationship’ for decades to come.
About New Charter
The new Atlantic Charter is a 600-word document that reaffirms the joint commitment of the US and the UK on a range of issues.
The new Atlantic Charter arrives at a time when “the world is entering a new era of strategic competition between democracy and autocracy, with democracies on the defensive and autocratic rivals gaining strength.”
The Charter touches upon topics like climate change, the Covid-19 crisis and the emerging role of technology.
Its main focus is that of national security along the lines of the original Atlantic Charter. It vows that as long as there are nuclear weapons, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) will remain a nuclear alliance.
