President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom have recently collaborated to update the historic Atlantic Charter, which has been in existence for 80 years. This renewed version reflects the evolving priorities and shared values between the two nations, paving the way for a strengthened and contemporary partnership.

What was the original Atlantic Charter?

The Atlantic Charter was signed by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in August 1941. The charter set out the common goals for the world after the Second World War. Those goals included:

• No Territorial aggrandizement(elevation)
• No territorial changes made against the wishes of the people (self-determination)
• Restoration of self-government to those deprived of it
• Reduction of trade restrictions
• Global cooperation to secure better economic and social conditions
• Freedom from fear and want
• Freedom of the seas
• Abandonment of the use of force and disarmament of aggressor nations.

Significance of the Atlantic Charter

• The Atlantic Charter, which later became a key reference in the Declaration of the United Nations, played a significant role in shaping post-war developments.
• Its influence extended to the dismantling of the British Empire and the establishment of NATO, among other international agreements and events that unfolded after World War II.

What is the New Atlantic Charter?

During their initial meeting in the UK, U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson collaboratively crafted a renewed version of the New Atlantic Charter. This historic document reflects their shared commitment to key principles and sets the stage for strengthened cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Key goals of the New Atlantic Charter

• Champion the principles that form the bedrock of democracy and open societies, fostering transparency, participation, and accountability in our governance structures.
• Enhance international collaboration by fortifying institutions, laws, and norms to effectively tackle the evolving challenges of the modern era.
• Stand together in support of the fundamental principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, fostering a world built on cooperation rather than confrontation.
• Protect and harness our innovative edge in science and technology, ensuring that we maintain a competitive and secure position in the rapidly evolving global landscape.
• Affirm our joint commitment to maintaining collective security and resilience against a spectrum of modern threats, including cyber threats, to ensure global stability.
• Work collaboratively to construct an inclusive, fair, climate-friendly, and rules-based global economy that promotes sustainability and equitable opportunities in the 21st century.

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