World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Hannan warns US shift on Falklands could damage Atlantic alliance
Daniel Hannan, a British Brexit campaign strategist, has warned that a US shift on the Falkland Islands could damage the Atlantic alliance.
Argentina and Britain both claim the South Atlantic islands, which Britain administers.
US administrations have stayed neutral on sovereignty while recognizing Britain’s day-to-day control, and the US ambassador to Argentina has said that policy is unchanged.
The debate has intensified since President Donald Trump said Washington could reconsider its position.
Hannan’s warning responds to US conservative writers who argue that Britain’s claim is invalid because it took the islands by force in 1833.
Hannan counters that the islanders’ right to decide their future matters, noting that 99.8% backed British sovereignty in a 2013 referendum.
The sources give no indication of whether US policy will change.
Daniel Hannan warned that a change in the US position on the Falkland Islands could put the Atlantic alliance at risk.
The warning appeared in a Washington Examiner column responding to arguments in favor of Argentina’s claim.
US administrations have stayed neutral on the competing claims while recognizing Britain’s de facto administration, and the US ambassador to Argentina said the policy is unchanged.
Hannan argued that the islanders’ right to self-determination is decisive, citing a 2013 referendum in which 99.8% backed British sovereignty.
- Who
- Daniel Hannan, director general of the Institute of Economic Affairs, warned about the potential change in US policy.
- What
- He said a shift in the US position on the Falkland Islands could damage the Atlantic alliance.
- When
- The warning was reported on October 12, 2026. Trump had said on August 31 that Washington could reconsider its position.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the Falkland Islands, also called the Falklands.
- Why
- Hannan argued that a US shift would put the Atlantic alliance at risk and disregard the islanders’ right to self-determination.
Daniel Hannan
Walter E. Block and Ege Fakkusoglu
Sovereignty
Daniel Hannan
Hannan rejects Argentina’s claim and says Britain never accepted the Spanish claim from which it derives.
Walter E. Block and Ege Fakkusoglu
Block and Fakkusoglu argue that Britain took the islands by force in 1833 and that the passage of time does not make the occupation valid.
Islanders’ rights
Daniel Hannan
Hannan says self-determination is decisive and points to the 2013 vote in favor of British sovereignty.
Walter E. Block and Ege Fakkusoglu
Block and Fakkusoglu argue that long-term occupation does not create valid title.
A switch in the U.S. position would destroy the Atlantic alliance
A seized parcel does not become res nullius again
France and Britain founded settlements in the islands within a short time of each other.
Argentina sent a military garrison and appointed a governor, which Washington and London regarded as aggression, according to Hannan.
The US warship USS Lexington dismantled the colony, according to Hannan.
HMS Clio removed the Argentine garrison without a fight, according to Hannan.
In a referendum, 99.8% of voters backed British sovereignty on a 92% turnout.
Trump said Washington could reconsider its position on the islands’ sovereignty.
- Hannan’s role
- Director general of the Institute of Economic Affairs
- Referendum vote
- 99.8% backed British sovereignty
- Referendum turnout
- 92%
- Argentine garrison and governor
- Sent and appointed in 1829
- HMS Clio
- Removed the garrison in 1833
Sources
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