An Alliance at Risk

Relations between Europe and America have become contentious, fuelled by the post-9/11 unilateral and pre-emptive tone of US foreign policy and old fears of American hegemony. The author argues that this increasing mistrust prevents constructive dialogue and action and threatens world stability.

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In the immediate aftermath of the events of September 11, people around the world - and Europeans in particular - came together in unprecedented demonstrations of compassion for and solidarity with the people of the United States. Since then, however, relations between Europe and America have become perilously contentious. The new unilateral and pre-emptive tone of US foreign policy, wedded to old fears of American hegemony and an irreducible strain of anti-Americanism, have alienated and angered Europeans, even as Europe's refusal to endorse key American policies has drawn charges of ingratitude and irrelevance. For noted French political observer Laurent Cohen-Tanugi, this growing rift dates back to the end of the Cold War and poses profound dangers for the intertwined futures of America, Europe and the world. In this book, he argues that although the ties that have united Europe and America for decades remain stronger than the propagandists of a transatlantic schism would have us believe, deepening transatlantic differences foster an increasing mistrust that prevents constructive dialogue and action.
Cohen-Tanugi begins by placing global anti-Americanism in historical perspective and tracing the evolution and progressive alteration of European-American relations from the post-war period to the Iraqi crisis. Stressing the need for strong transatlantic solidarity in the new global environment, Cohen-Tanugi sets forth the case and prerequisites for such co-operation, calling on Europe to assume fully its responsibilities on the world stage and on America to address the contradictions and inadequacies of its foreign policy and become more attentive to the international community, its sensitivities and rules. Envisioning what this renewed partnership might look like in the future, he concludes that in a world plagued by profound disorder and rabid anti-Westernism, the distance between the United States and the European Union must be bridged to propagate the democratic values they share, confront global challenges, and ensure the stability of the world.