Anti-Americanism and its Threat to Transatlantic Cooperation and Security, Summer 2004

Anti-Americanism has become fashionable and is now a threat to the transatlantic cooperation. The risks of anti-Americanism are numerous and severe. Protests against “American imperialism” connected with almost all recent international summits recall the year 1968 and the wave of radicalism and terrorism in the 60s and 70s. A significant part of anti-American rhetoric is aimed at undermining the “legitimacy” of the hegemonic position of the U.S. The result of this could be that the key-player of world security may turn to neo-isolationism and turn its back to Europe. The old continent lacks the “power-political” resources to take the lead in world politics. Europe lacks the means to challenge the U.S. in political influence, economic power or military might in the foreseeable future. If America is criticized in an irrational and emotional way, the outcome will be a U.S. disengagement from the transatlantic pact and Europe’s marginalization in global politics. It is desirable for Europe to balance the disparity of power between the U.S. and Europe, but it would be most irresponsible and inconsiderate for Europe to choose a path leading to multipolarism and confrontation with the U.S., instead of cooperation.

Please click here to read the text in full