WorldWORLD WATCH

Spy novelist says US-UK 'special relationship' is under strain

Former CIA analyst David McCloskey, now a spy novelist, warns that the historical ties of culture and language binding the US and Britain are fraying as never before—thrilling only if plausible.

On air: Kenji Moonfield and Dale Bearman on Best of BBN
Published 4:25 AM ET, Sunday, October 11, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The Guardian: “‘Under tremendous strain’: CIA analyst turned spy novelist on a fraying US-UK alliance”.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 4:25 AM ET on Best of BBN, by Kenji Moonfield and Dale Bearman.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The Guardian‘Under tremendous strain’: CIA analyst turned spy novelist on a fraying US-UK alliance

What BBN said about it

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe Guardian talked to David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst turned spy novelist.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentHis new book imagines a calamitous collapse of the special relationship between the US and Britain.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAnd he says the real thing is under tremendous strain.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorThe ties of history, culture and language that held for generations are fraying, in his view.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe Guardian's angle is that it needs urgent attention. This is one man's warning, and it's a novelist's, so take it as that.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorHe's also asking whether it could get darker still. He's an analyst. That's the job.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo an alliance older than anyone's grandparents is getting a check-up from a guy who writes thrillers.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorThrillers are only thrilling when the premise is plausible. That's what bothers me.