A series of discordant columns over the weekend makes it clear that a new American president has not been a magic fix for the transatlantic relationship. Indeed, the global financial crisis has exacerbated differences, not just between America and Europe but within Europe as well.
I round up and synthesize these columns in my New Atlanticist piece “Obama Has Not Yet Fixed US-Europe Relations.” The conclusion:
None of these sour sentiments should derail the Obama administration’s efforts to repair and strengthen America’s relations with Europe, of course. There has arguably not been a time in the postwar period when transatlantic cooperation has been more vital.
But it’s useful to be reminded from time to time that George W. Bush’s demeanor was not the sole obstacle to an effective working relationship. Indeed, “Europe” is far from a monolith and its leaders, too, have some responsibility for the partnership.
Follow the link for the rest.
