The mid-term of a presidency in the United States (US) is a good time for a first assessment. In this paper, the focus is put on the state and outlook for the transatlantic relations between the US and the the EU member states.
In the second chapter, we will set the definitions and the dimensions of the transatlantic relations.
Chapter 3 comprises the thesis of this paper: the US-EU relation is an unbalanced relationship. There is a deeper relation in regard to defense and security than in other policy issues, and the relation is still based on intergovernmental coordination in forums like the NATO than between the US and the EU bodies.
The assessment of the thesis for the first two years of President Obama’s administration will be done in Chapter 4.
Chapter 5 gives an approach for a New Transatlantic Chapter by deepening the economic integration of the transatlantic area.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definitions and Dimensions
3. Thesis: The US-EU Relation is an Unbalanced Partnership
4. The Assessment
4.1 During Presidential Campaign: European Expectations and Obama’s Promises
4.2 First Year: Leading and Listening
4.3 Second Year: Perception and Perspective
4.4 Conclusion
5. A New Transatlantic Chapter? - Approaches for a More Balanced Transatlantic Partnership
5.1 Is it trade, stupid?
5.2 Enough common sense for enhancing the partnership?
5.3 How can forces be joined on the global agenda?
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines the state and outlook of transatlantic relations between the United States and the European Union at the mid-term of the Obama presidency. It investigates the thesis that the US-EU partnership is fundamentally unbalanced, focusing on the disparity between security-driven cooperation and the need for deeper economic integration.
- Analysis of the transatlantic relationship as an unbalanced partnership.
- Assessment of the first two years of the Obama administration regarding European expectations.
- Evaluation of the structural differences in foreign policy approaches between the US and EU.
- Exploration of potentials for a more balanced "Transatlantic Marketplace."
- Discussion on the challenges of multilateral cooperation in global forums.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Thesis: The US-EU Relation is an Unbalanced Partnership
When they think of Europe, often NATO comes into the mind of Americans. This is true, but not the only thing. During the last 60 years, the European Union was built by a growing number of member states, starting as an purely economic free trade area but now covering a broad range of issues, starting with intergovernmental consultations in regard to the foreign security and defense policy, the domestic security and leading the fully integrated common European market with more than 500 Mio. consumers. When it comes to international trade issues, the European Union is representing the interests of its 27 member states and represents the No. 1 trading power worldwide:
But yet the partnership is still strangely unbalanced. Like a misshapen weightlifter who exercises only one arm, the partnership bulks up its military limb, perhaps even overworks it. Meanwhile the economic and political arm is weedy and neglected. This picture was drawn by a cartoon, published in The Economist in November 2010:
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the mid-term assessment of the US-EU relations and introduces the primary research thesis.
2. Definitions and Dimensions: Sets the conceptual framework for defining transatlantic relations and highlights the economic significance of the US-EU alliance.
3. Thesis: The US-EU Relation is an Unbalanced Partnership: Argues that the relationship is skewed toward military and security issues while neglecting economic and political integration.
4. The Assessment: Analyzes the diplomatic developments, expectations, and challenges during the first two years of the Obama presidency.
5. A New Transatlantic Chapter? - Approaches for a More Balanced Transatlantic Partnership: Proposes strategies for strengthening the economic pillar of the partnership to achieve a more balanced transatlantic union.
Keywords
Transatlantic Relations, US-EU Partnership, Obama Administration, NATO, Economic Integration, Foreign Policy, Security Policy, Global Trade, Multilateralism, Diplomacy, Military Alliances, European Union, Transatlantic Marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper provides a mid-term assessment of transatlantic relations, specifically focusing on the dynamics between the US and the EU during the first two years of the Obama presidency.
What is the central thesis?
The author argues that the US-EU relationship is currently an "unbalanced partnership," characterized by strong cooperation in defense and security through NATO, while economic and political relations remain underdeveloped.
What is the main objective of the research?
The objective is to analyze why the transatlantic relationship is perceived as unbalanced and to propose approaches for a more balanced partnership, particularly through economic integration.
Which methodology is used in the study?
The paper utilizes a qualitative assessment of political events, diplomatic statements, and trade data to evaluate the state of the transatlantic alliance during the specified period.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers definitions of transatlantic relations, the assessment of Obama's first two years in office, and potential approaches like a "Transatlantic Free Trade Area" to improve the partnership.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Transatlantic Relations, US-EU Partnership, NATO, Obama Administration, and Economic Integration.
How does the author describe the difference between US and European policy-making?
The author notes that while the US prefers to "run before they debate" regarding foreign policy, European institutions favor extensive debates and consensus-building before acting.
Why was the presidential visit to the EU-USA Summit in Madrid canceled?
The visit was canceled because there were no concrete outcomes or agreements reached that were of significant interest to US foreign policy at that time.
How does the author suggest moving toward a "New Transatlantic Chapter"?
The author suggests deepening economic relations by moving toward a "Transatlantic Free Trade Area" or an integrated "Transatlantic Marketplace" to complement the existing security-focused alliance.
- Quote paper
- Alois Maichel (Author), 2011, A Mid-Term Assessment of Barack Obama. A New Transatlantic Chapter?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/284409
