Transatlantic relations : an American perspective

Abstract

Any discussion of an American perspective on anything in 2018, and especially transatlantic relations requires us to take up the question of “which America” or maybe more correctly “whose America”. The heightened political division in the United States emphasizes sharp divides in how the American public views the relationship with its closest historic allies, its transatlantic partners. These divides sharpen during election cycles and then relax during off years, although increasingly the country seems in perpetual election mode. The exposure of ideological rifts among the American public on this topic is interesting based on the long history of relationship between the US and Europe. Riddervold and Newsome point out, “no other regions of the world are as closely connected in economics, security and politics as Europe and the US.” The American political landscape has changed dramatically in the last five to ten years and alliances previously understood as sacred to both parties have come under attack. The political parties themselves have shifted platforms and positions on the value and priority of these relationships as American reels its way through disruptive politics.