Brookings: Topics - Transatlantic Relations

Towards a Post-American Europe: A Power Audit of EU-U.S. Relations

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Shapiro and Nick Witney examine transatlantic relations in what they call a "post-American world" that is witnessing increasingly redistributed power. Shapiro and Witney argue that the real threat to the transatlantic relationship comes not from the remaking of America's global strategy, but from European governments' failure to come to terms with how the world is changing.

Jean Pisani-Ferry on the Transatlantic Economy After the Global Financial Crisis

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 26, 2009, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

On October 26, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosted Jean Pisani-Ferry, a leading French economist, to deliver the Sixth Annual Raymond Aron Lecture. Mr. Pisani-Ferry assessed the impact of the global financial crisis on the closely intertwined economies of Europe and the United States, and their influence on the world economy.

U.S.-European Union Cooperation on Climate Change

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At a recent climate change gathering in Bonn, some Europeans criticized American positions as lacking sufficient ambition to address the climate crisis. Can the U.S. and Europe get past old disagreements and turn a new page? William Antholis—in Germany to address the conference of climate change experts—charted out a new course for transatlantic cooperation on climate issues.

The Transatlantic Partnership in a Post-Economic Crisis World: An Address by Valdis Zatlers, President of Latvia

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 15, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

While it is difficult to see beyond the current economic crisis, some reshuffling of global economic power is inevitable. On May 15, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) at Brookings hosted Latvian President Valdis Zatlers for a discussion of the increased importance of the transatlantic partnership in the years ahead.

Europe - Etats-Unis: accords / désaccords

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While the election of Barack Obama facilitates the transatlantic dialogue, profound structural differences remain between Europe and America—including geography, distinct roles in the international system and contrasted relationship to military force. Justin Vaisse believes this is why Europe and America should not count on "shared values" but on serious diplomatic bargaining to resolve their differences. (in French)

Lord Christopher Patten: The Challenges of Multilateralism for Europe, Turkey and the United States

Tue, 05 May 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 05, 2009, 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

The Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosts Lord Christopher Patten for the fifth annual Sakip Sabanci Lecture. In his address, Lord Patten will discuss how Turkey, Europe and the United States can realize opportunities for multilateral cooperation in confronting the global challenges of the 21st century.

Europe 2030

Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00:00 GMT

In Europe 2030 a group of distinguished authors look ahead and deliver their predictions on what Europe will look like twenty years from now. With great insight and drawing on deep reservoirs of experience, they illuminate the European Union's current strengths and weaknesses by imagining its future development.

Barack Obama's First NATO Summit

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:20:20 GMT

As NATO celebrates its 60th anniversary, Visiting Fellow Steven Pifer says the alliance has serious business to conduct. President Obama and other alliance leaders will address issues of critical importance including unrest in Afghanistan and Russia’s relationship with its neighbors.

Tackling NATO's Challenges

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 30, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

When President Barack Obama and NATO leaders met in early April to celebrate the NATO alliance’s 60th anniversary, they also confronted the daunting challenges facing NATO today. Prior to the event, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings held a public discussion to preview President Obama’s first NATO summit.

How to Improve U.S.-Italy Relations and Why They Matter

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the occasion of the first meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, Federiga Bindi discusses the state of Italy-U.S. relations and suggests ways to improve them.

In Search of Lost Time: Turkey-U.S. Relations after Bush

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The past eight years witnessed a sharp evolution of the Turkey-US relationship, but a change in rhetoric substance was ushered in with the second Bush administration that eventually came to the rescue. Sinan Ülgen argues the election of Barack Obama provides an opportunity for Ankara and Washington to put behind their differences decisively and to concentrate on advancing a more ambitious transatlantic agenda.

A New Start in Transatlantic Relations: The View from the Czech EU Presidency

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 09, 2009, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

On February 9, the Center on the U.S. and Europe (CUSE) at Brookings and the Heinrich Böll Foundation hosted Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg for a public address on the transatlantic relationship.

Europe, the United States, and Middle Eastern Democracy: Repairing the Breach

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama may enjoy a transatlantic honeymoon, but U.S.-European differences over Middle East policy—stemming mainly from the war in Iraq—leave deep scars in the relationship that he must now overcome. In a new Saban Center Analysis Paper, Tamara Cofman Wittes and Richard Youngs look beyond this highly charged deterioration in the transatlantic relationship in order to assess the real prospects for cooperation in promoting democracy in the Middle East.

Pour une relation transatlantique désenchantée

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the good will generated by the election of Barack Obama, Justin Vaisse and Thierry Chopin warn against the illusion of a spontaneously harmonious Transtlantic relation. They argue a fundamental policy differences remains between Europe and the U.S., due to geography, political culture, and position in the international system, and a good relationship will depend on hard-nose deals on policies and priorities, not the invocation of “shared values”.

Obama to Europe: Ich bin ein listener

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Barack Obama’s election was greeted with jubilation in many parts of the world, raising hopes that his personal appeal will translate into progress on a range of important issues in which Europeans are essential partners. Kristin Lord and John Glenn caution that Obama's popularity alone may not be enough and that he will have to collaborate with European allies to make potential turn into action.

Europa-USA: il momento della verità

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After two years of “Europe for Obama”, it’s time to focus on the points of common interest between the new U.S. president and the European Union. Will there be stronger cooperation between the two sides of the Atlantic? What kind of Europe will welcome President Obama next spring? Federiga Bindi offers insights into the future of the U.S.-European relationship under Obama’s leadership.

Sarkozy's Europe is Good for Obama

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Bindi, Charles Kupchan and Justin Vaisse argue that French President Nicolas Sarkozy occasionally overplayed his hand while France held the EU's rotating presidency from July to December 2008. But on balance, they say, his EU leadership provided exactly the kind of international activism that Europeans want and America needs.

Reversing the Decline: An Agenda for U.S.-Russian Relations in 2009

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the new U.S. president takes office, U.S.-Russian relations are at the lowest level since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. According to Steve Pifer, several unresolved and problematic issues dominate the this relationship. Pifer suggests that the incoming Obama administration seek a balanced approach toward Russia, making clear that Russia must not violate international norms while encouraging Russian cooperation and integration with international institutions.

Europe's Gas Crisis: Don't Act Surprised

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Elkind and Edward Chow examine the causes of a chronic gas war between Ukraine and Russia. They offer suggestions for Kiev to push ahead with reform that could help Ukraine receive urgent and coordinated support from Western friends.

The Obama Administration Will Be Very Cautious on Foreign Policy

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a Spiegel interview, US foreign policy expert Strobe Talbott discusses the daunting foreign policy challenges facing Obama, the next president's desire to turn Americans into global citizens and the prospects for reinvigorated trans-Atlantic relations.

Checkpoint Poznan: Transatlantic Climate Relationship Post-Election

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 24, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On November 24, 2008 the Brookings Institution and the Heinrich Boell Foundation convened a panel of US and European climate experts to discuss the outlook for the upcoming climate negotiations and the potential new relationship between the United States and Europe on the issue of climate change. The panel examined two aspects of the relationship – the domestic situations on both sides of the Atlantic and how the realities on the ground will play into the international negotiating positions at Copenhagen.

U.S.-Europe Relations: An Address by Bernard Kouchner

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 12, 2008, 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

The Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosted French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner for an address on renewing transatlantic cooperation with the incoming Obama administration. With France currently holding the rotating presidency of the 27-member European Council, Kouchner focused his remarks on new priorities and approaches for U.S.–European relations.

Who Is Reshaping the World?

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 07, 2008, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

The Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosted Thérèse Delpech, director for Strategic Studies at the French Atomic Energy Commission to deliver the Fifth Annual Raymond Aron Lecture. Delpech explored the forces currently redrawing the lines of the international system, from the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to revisionist powers and globalization. She offered insights into the future of the trans-Atlantic community and the French-American alliance in particular.

Transatlantic Dialogue on Revitalizing the International Security System

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 26, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
September 27, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

On September 26-27, 2008 in New York City, the Managing Global Insecurity (MGI) Project, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) and the Brookings Institution Center on United States and Europe (CUSE) gathered representatives and experts from the United States and across Europe to discuss U.S. and European priorities for reform of the international security system.

Public Diplomacy and the New Transatlantic Agenda

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kristin Lord examines public opinion relevant to the transatlantic relationship; transatlantic opinion regarding terrorism, climate change, and international trade; and public diplomacy and how it might advance the transatlantic agenda.

L’atout d’Obama ? Ne pas être Bush

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with Libération, Justin Vaisse explored the reasons for Barack Obama’s popularity in Europe and stressed the contrast between political classes on each side of the Atlantic for minority candidates. (French)

The Evolving Transatlantic Agenda

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 11, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

In the coming years, European and American leaders will face pressing global challenges such as terrorism, international trade negotiations and climate change, which will require joint action and close collaboration between American and European leaders. On July 11, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) at Brookings hosted Jim Murphy MP, Great Britain’s Minister for Europe, for a discussion of the role of public diplomacy in the new transatlantic agenda.

Iraq, Afghanistan and Beyond: The UK-U.S. Partnership in a Changing World

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 10, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On July 10, the Brookings Institution hosted the British Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Des Browne MP, for a discussion of British and U.S. policies in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond—now and with the change in U.S. leadership in 2009.

Insurgents Are Not Winning in Afghanistan

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Shapiro joined Spiegel Online's Gregor Peter Schmitz to discuss the current security conditions in Afghanistan. Despite recent reports painting a grim picture, Shapiro believes NATO forces are on the right track.

One Horrible Year for Nicolas Sarkozy

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Just over a year into the presidential term of France's Nicolas Sarkozy, Philip Gordon and Justin Vaisse note that the first year has been a bitter disappointment. Instead of giving up on Sarkozy as a lost cause, they believe there is hope for a recovery if he continues reforms promised during his candidacy. They also argue that the rotating presidency of the European Union, coming to France in July, may foster a new era in transatlantic relations.

Nicolas Sarkozy’s Foreign Policy: Gaullist by Any Other Name

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse examines Nicolas Sarkozy's foreign policy compared to Gaullist and Atlanticist leaders of the past in France.

Le pari de la défense européenne mérite d'être tenté

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse and Pierre Haski debate what type of leader French president Nicolas Sarkozy is in historical context. (French)

Sarkozy, le gaulliste décomplexé

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse and Pierre Haski debate what type of leader French president Nicolas Sarkozy is in historical context. (French)

Le revirement de Nicolas Sarkozy sur l'Europe

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse discusses the upcoming French presidency of the European Union. (French)

Afghanistan and NATO: Forging the 21st Century Alliance

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 29, 2008, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

The NATO-led operation in Afghanistan is challenging an alliance born in the Cold War to face twenty-first century security issues. Brookings welcomed NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer for a discussion on the effectiveness of the International Security Assistance Force operation in Afghanistan and what is needed for NATO and the international community to achieve success.

l’America è pronta a tornare al multilateralismo. Ma gli europei dovranno darci una mano

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Philip Gordon answers questions from Emiliano Alessandri and Raffaello Matarazzo about America's readiness to return to multilateralism.

Does Europe Have Something to Offer the World?

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Nicolas de Boisgrolllier with others, The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs (Summer 2006)

The Media as Conduit for Transatlantic Understanding

Fri, 16 May 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Speech by Stephen Hess, The Future of Transatlantic Relations Conference in Helsinki, Finland (05/16/03)

Fifth Annual Conference of the Center on the United States and Europe

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 GMT

On May 20, 2008, the Center on the United States and Europe held its fifth annual conference. As is in previous years, the conference brought together leading scholars, officials and policy-makers from both sides of the Atlantic to examine issues shaping the transatlantic relationship and to assess the evolving roles of the United States and Europe in the global arena.