International relations theorists have long sought to better understand geopolitical alliances and the factors that influence their creation and development. Previous literature in the alliance politics sub-field of international relations has largely ignored the political processes that lead to the development of the closest and most extensive alliances a state maintains. Scholars have identified these alliances and commonly refer to them as constituting special relationships. Previous studies about special relationships have failed to identify the distinctive traits of special relationships. This study will allow scholars to better understand the nature of special relationships and the political processes that lead to their creation by advancing a new conceptualization of the topic. A model explaining the development of the US-Israel special relationship during the Reagan Administration will be used as a case study.