Fixing the Transatlantic Relationship: Improving U.S. - European Relations

Abstract

The US-led war in Iraq increased the visibility of the tension between the United States and some of its important European allies. Though tensions have existed for decades the rift is becoming so great that it is deleterious to US foreign policy and counter-productive to the pursuit of US national interests. Strong disagreement with US foreign policy has led to palpable anti-American sentiment in Western Europe and anti-American rhetoric is flourishing in European print media. To begin to improve relations with Europe one must understand the fundamental reasons for the divide. Cultural and ideological differences figure prominently. These have historical origins that shape current perspectives and policies both internally and externally. Disagreement with each other's foreign policies such as relations with the Middle East US unilateralism and use of force also figure heavily. Though the US and Europe may just have to agree to disagree on many issues there are a number of actions both sides can and must take to improve relations and preserve the effectiveness of this important relationship.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 03, 2004
Accession Number
ADA423739

Entities

People

  • Jonathan D. Kurtz

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cold War
  • Commerce
  • European Union
  • Foreign Policy
  • Foreign Relations
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Market Economy
  • Middle East
  • National Security
  • Second World War
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union