That, so far, every second paragraph comes back to an implication that some American foreign policy objective would be in Europe's interests, too; that the sorry state of affairs usually ends up being something where Europe failed to live up to Obama admin expectations, and the resolution to European foreign policy paralysis tends to look like doing something in America's stead. (I'm on page 17.)
But, to again highlight that I see this as a bold departure anyway, here is the last of four recommendations on how Europeans could 'maintain and strengthen transatlantic cooperation':
In Chorus, not Solo. If they are to count for something in Washington's world view, EU member states need above all to speak and act together, thus bringing their collective weight to bear. This is as true in relation to the US as it is in relation to Russia or China - only even more difficult. The current practice of banking on some bilateral "special relationship" in a European competition for Washington's favour simply invites the US to continue to divide and rule. Worse, by hamstringing Europeans as effective partners for the US, it is also undermining the transatlantic relationship as a whole.
A frequent problem of policies and institutions that do not exist is that they are imparted with a purpose they are unlikely to serve by those who argue on behalf of their creation. Thus does U.S. presidential candidate John McCain seek a 'League of Democracies' that would engage in bolder democracy promotion and create freer markets. Thus does Anne Applebaum dream of the leaders of the UK, France and Germany coming to the White House, pledging to solve Afghanistan. Thus, likewise, does the English foreign policy community desire a common European foreign and defence policy that will stand up to Russia.
Point taken. *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
Among the illusions that European governments find hard to shake off, we identify four which are particularly damaging - the beliefs that:... American and European interests are at bottom the same - and apparent evidence to the contrary only evidences the need for the US to pay greater heed to European advice;
I hope to find them fleshing out that point when I read on, but probably not tonight. *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
