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The Wall Street Journal

New Leaders Have Pledged a More Pragmatic Approach to the U.S.

David Cameron's Conservative Party is historically known for its close relationship with the U.S. and an arm's-length distance from Europe. As prime minister, he could end up taking a more pragmatic view on Europe-and finding that Britain's "special relationship" with the U.S. isn't what it once was, particularly if he seals a coalition deal with Britain's third party, the Liberal Democrats.

While financial markets may be relieved that the U.K.'s post-election minuet is finally over, the coalition government is in many ways an awkward one, perhaps most starkly in terms of foreign policy and defense.

Experts say they anticipate the Liberal Democrats will act as a check on the Tories' wariness of the euro zone, but have limited impact on defense-spending issues, such as renewing the Trident submarine, the costly independent nuclear-deterrent program the Tories back. Click here for more.