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.

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.}