Summary:Old divisions between the United States and Europe, hidden for decades, have now been brought to light by the crisis in Iraq.
The U.S. and European governments differ on their approach to fighting terrorism, dealing with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, combating rogue states, the role of the United Nations and the appropriate use of military force. According to panelist Rockwell Schnabel, "today, Europe is less friendly [towards the U.S.] than it has been before."
Wolfgang Ischinger noted that the crisis with Iraq created two disagreements between Europe and the U.S. First, there was a disagreement as to whether Iraq was as critical a threat as the U.S. claimed and whether it should be the top priority of the United Nations. Once the U.N. unanimously passed resolution 1441 and it was generally agreed that Iraq was such a threat. The second disagreement arose over whether or not Iraq′s noncompliance warranted the immediate use of military force.
Ischinger believes that for Europe and the U.S. to avoid future conflicts, they must have a debate that will prioritize a common strategy for dealing with international crises. During the Cold War, there was a common enemy that took priority. Today, it is less clear which threats the U.S. and Europe should focus on first.
The issue of Iraq has not only shown the divisions between the U.S. and Europe, but it has also revealed differences within Europe and the European Union. Twenty-two of the 25 nations and candidate nations of the EU support action in Iraq. This raises questions as to how the EU will be able to coordinate a common foreign policy, as well as a common strategy on European defense.
George Argyros noted that historical, social and economic differences throughout Europe continue to play a role in European policy making. Spain, for example, with the decades of isolationism it experienced under Franco, did not participate in World War II and did not partake in the economic resurgence experienced in post-war Europe. Today, Spain′s struggle with the Basque separatists shapes its outlook on fighting terrorism. At the same time, Spain′s economy is now growing at a much faster rate than that of the European Union. Thus, Spain has a much different view of Europe and its role in the world than other member nations. And similar differences can be found though out the E.U.
The panel was unanimous in its view that Europe and the U.S. have far too much in common to let their relationship flounder. Economic, historical and political ties bind their relationship and makes cooperation between them crucial.
Rockwell Schnabel believes that Europe and the U.S need one another to pursue justice and democracy in the world, as well as to attack problems of global poverty, a contributing factor to international terrorism. Wolfgang Ischinger reinforced this point and said that despite the current divisions "we are still allies and partners." The panel was also unanimous in its belief that the U.S. and Europe will cooperate though the U.N. to rebuild post-war Iraq.
