Unless we chose not to be in them ourselves, why are we not a part? The countries in it were all at one point part of the British Emprire. Why doesn't that include us?
121933
We ceased to be part of England in 1776.
16255
The requirement for participation is that a television station in the country must have joined the EBU. So, it's down to them whether a country joins, rather than strict geography.
387158
You are right. We are the main force but other countries are involved. There is enough credit and blame to go around. It just seems we are the popular ones in all this. All of our soldiers, not just the ones from our country deserve recognition for their sacrifice in service to a common cause.
374077
After the 1st World War, many in the U. S. were wary of becoming entangled in another war.  Senator Henry Cabot Lodge led a group of senators who were afraid the U.S. might get pulled into another war trying to enforce the Leagues wishes..or that the League might try to interfere with the business and wishes of our country.  They were called "isolationists'  and this was called the "isolationist era."  TODAY  the United States is very much involved in other coutries business, and in wars in other countries ...and now many people  again believe that we should back off from that.  Some Democrats say it was the fault of Republicans that we did not join the League.  Yet, it is the Democrats now who are saying we should get out of Iraq and mind our own business.  So, you  see, nothing is new...history repeats itself with different names.   There is a fine balance between isolationism and "assisting" other nations?  Understand?\nThis needs more thought than some of the flippant answers I see were given.  Also, I see one person said something about Israel...Israel did not exist until after the League was disbanded.  And, the United Nations was formed AFTER the League was disbanded.
661406
Well, our culture is most derivative of Britain's.  We adopted their common law wholesale, for example, and their language.  We weren't a Commonwealth country, but that is sort of just the way it worked out.  We have ties, for certain.\n\nGreat Britain and France are allies now, but historically they were enemies and rivals for a long LONG time.  I don't know if we just inherited that mantle as well, or if the abrasion between the French (or Parisians) and us is born of other things.  Clearly the French are highly offended by McDonalds in France, and growth of the use of the English language, however I think most of us just find that amusing.\n\nI think we don't consider them as true to their obligations as an ally as we consider Great Britain to be, and we reciprocate.  However, again, while the British don't all like us either, we have a lot in common in how we look at the world.  This probably makes our relationship easier on many levels.  \n\nHowever, I think Germany would be a closer ally as well, if it weren't now most focused on integrating into the EU.
568501
Many Scots would like an independent Scottish republic, or perhaps kingdom, as was the case before the destruction of the Scottish Parliament around 1700 (although the crowns were united in 1603, with the accession of James I).  There was a referendum which failed realted to this a few years back.  Others are content to stay part of the UK.  The Scottish Parliament HAS been reconstituted in the last couple of years for "local" issues.  There is a concern that if Scotland were to become independent, it would immediately become a third world country, instead of enjoying whatever benefits there may be as a member of the UK.
611590
Hi Ally! I am in the UK and I think that it is ridiculous that in the 21st century we still have poverty in the western world. In Glasgow for example, we still have people begging in the street, people that are homeless and of course there is the dire straits some of our elderly find themselves in.\n Although Scotland has not been attacked in the way your country has, I still feel that, like you, we should look after our own people first and if there is extra then we can share that out - no problemo.\nPC has gone mad over here and we find ourself in the crazy situation that we cannot deport someone who we suspect of being an undesirable back to their country of origin in case they are abused. So it would appear that we can get blown to hell as long as we do not upset or offend any radicals in the Muslim communities!\n\nIn answer to your final question - stop re-arming - spend the billions of $s on helping your own people. The cold war is over - the war on poverty is not!
393563
janey, sweatheart,,,relax, you are not far off a good idea chuckles\n Do you know that the soon to be "united states of europe "Has captured the wallets and minds of 26 countries now i think if america britain australia new zealand canada and anybody els who would join us could have an economic organisation like europe union and it would stop their advance, they are gaining ground all over all they do is buy politicions loyalties with great cash awards. america and britain need to gain ground.
517319
You are 100% right. For too long now, successive UK governments have put too much emphasis on playing the global stage at the sake of their own people. I suspect it's a glamour thing and they want to make their mark in world history.
533885
It's weird.  I consider myself British before English as I think the UK is better for all of its constituent parts.  But if you ask most people, they want there national identity to be the region from which they come (The countries of England and Scotland, the provence of Northern Ireland or the pricipality of Wales).\n\nIt's a little like someone from the USA want to be known as a Texan or Californian before they are called an American - I know it's not exactly the same but its in the same vein.\n\nAnd don't forget that the individual parts of the UK all have their own sports teams (i.e. Football (Soccer) and Rugby) so we regularly compete against each other - this adds a bit of tension.
229248
A better question would be, "Does it matter?" \nGreat(?) Britain owes it's existance to the United States! During WWll America poured tons of money, goods and man power into keeping Britain free from Germany and as yet the people of Britain haven't even paid the interest on the loans that were given to them!\nIn fact if it wasn't for America, Great(?) Britain wouldn't even exist!\nIf England want's to go it alone against the rest of the world then I say, "Lot's of luck!"
501120
Wow, an intelligent question on YA.\n\nIf this were to happen, a unified military for the EU would be an extremely potent force with a broad spectrum leadership.\n\nIt will be interesting to see how alliances would play out. If the EU military was unified, would England for example be allowed to ally with a non EU nation in a military campaign that the rest of the EU condemns?
322578
I don't think many people in the US realises that the UK is actually a real, seperate, you know country. They think we are   one of those cute litle places they saved from the Germans but that doesn't have as many castles.
656623
We live in two different worlds and it is virtually impossible at times to find that common ground. As much as we share in life's experiences, we also are different. I'm not sure we'll ever be together as a nation or worldwide community.
192562
Because were letting our government run everything and a countries people are viewed by those who lead them. Not the people as a whole.
212316
To the first ignorant poster:  the United Nations, composed of several nations made Israel a nation.  People really need to learn history.  It might also interest the poster to learn that Israel might not have become a state if it weren't for the hatred shown to them after they tried to rightfully claim their very own homes after the Holocaust.\n\nThe British imposed a severe limit on immigration right after the war.  Many nations would not allow the Jews who were fortunate enough to survive to even reside in their very own countries!  There was no choice other than to make Israel a state.\n\nBefore pointing a finger at the Jews, look at the situation surrounding the issue.
585612
Because United Kingdom, as its name implies, is a unified group of nations.... Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales.  Just as "Russia" is really a collection of several republics and the US is a collection of states.\nEngland is only one of these (but the most powerful).