Buruma examines the "special relationship" between Britain and America that has done so much to shape the world, from World War II to Brexit. To do so, he specifically looks at the bonds between presidents and prime ministers. At the heart of the book is a series of shrewd and absorbing character studies of the president-prime minster dyads. Buruma believes it is impossible to understand the populist uprising in either country, from 2016 to the present, without reference to Trump and Boris Johnson-- though ironically they are also the key to understanding the special relationship's demise. -- adapted from jacket

Under the sign of victory --Blood and history -- The empire is dead, long live the empire -- The road to Suez -- An Anglo-American bond -- The close relationship -- To Europe and back -- An extraordinary relationship -- Kinder, gentler -- Too much conviction -- The finest moment -- After the crash -- Grand illusions.