Outstanding piece, well reasoned and encouraging for the inevitable renewal of our relationship with Western Europe and in fact the world at large. The historical perspective is so necessary in understanding the ebbs and flows of our relationship with most countries and the UK and Europe in particular. Far too many in the current US political system have little understanding of the historical imperatives or those bilateral, regional and worldwide bodies which as you say have empowered the US since the end of WWII. As has occurred far too often much in the US is said by politicians for purely domestic consumption with the eventual quiet walkback occurring on a regular basis Even in the US reality eventually sinks in.
I generally agree, Robert. We're pulling back our pickets and reorganizing internally to prepare for direct threats rather than indirect ones. I anticipate a significant reduction in our physical presence in Europe, and how we reallocate those resources will be key to the success of this strategic shift.
Despite concerns about nationalism and isolationism, we remain a maritime nation. The current administration recognizes this, as reflected in its recent rhetoric about rebuilding our domestic shipbuilding capabilities and shifting focus toward the Pacific.
Ultimately, our national defense is strongest with allies, and the Atlantic remains just as critical as the Pacific. I suspect that "in the long run, Atlanticism will be back."
A lot is happening here in the U.S. that demands attention. Internal change was necessary, but hopefully, we don't break too many things we can't fix.
Let’s hope so, David. It appears that in the short term US defence manufacturers will lose out to European ones, and Trump’s overreach will result in an impoverishment for US industry. Is the US fully aware of the visceral anger in Europe at Trump’s behaviour? From what I’ve seen, I think not. For all of Trump’s righteous anger (which I share) about European military unpreparedness, I worry that the baby has been thrown out with the bath water. Let’s see!
Excellent as ever Robert, reality tinged with hope for the future. My feeling is that if the Democrats in the USA get their act together they should be able to hamstring Trump and co for the last 2 years of this presidency. The biggest surprise for me so far has been the lead from Macron in Europe closely followed by Merz in Germany and who knew Starmer had a backbone and any leadership qualities
Thank you. Yes, definitely agree about the Atlantic Charter and FDR's determination to use the war to kill two birds with one stone. However, in the North Atlantic the USA is still critical to NATO, as it offers a range of sophisticated military capabilities Europe simply doesn't have, as well as volume. I agree that Europe should stand on its own two feet, but binding the USA into our mutual collective security is still a good thing.
My barber is Iranian. He is also a Muslim. But there is plenty we can agree on. So it is with Americans of whatever denomination.
Atlanticism worked while it was in the interests of both Britain and America. There will be plenty of British and American barbers for years to come, in the State Department, for example, and because we are happy to watch Hollywood and eat Maccers, but US relations with Europe became conflictual when Americans started complaining about burden-sharing in NATO and the balance of trade with the EU. The time for a haircut was long ago.
I'd even make a play that relations were best when they were being entertained by Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, and by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company from the 1870s staging Gilbert and Sullivan Savoy operas, and when our merchant banks such as Barings financed much of their infrastructure.
I'd also suggest that Britain lost the war and capitulated to the USA on 14 August 1941 when the Atlantic Charter was announced: Churchill had from 10 May 1940 persuaded Britain to push through the Phoney War in order to preserve the Conservative Party, his aristocratic way of life, and the Empire, and the Charter gave a short back and sides to all three.
Outstanding piece, well reasoned and encouraging for the inevitable renewal of our relationship with Western Europe and in fact the world at large. The historical perspective is so necessary in understanding the ebbs and flows of our relationship with most countries and the UK and Europe in particular. Far too many in the current US political system have little understanding of the historical imperatives or those bilateral, regional and worldwide bodies which as you say have empowered the US since the end of WWII. As has occurred far too often much in the US is said by politicians for purely domestic consumption with the eventual quiet walkback occurring on a regular basis Even in the US reality eventually sinks in.
Thank you! Let's hope its a lover's tiff, rather than a divorce.
I generally agree, Robert. We're pulling back our pickets and reorganizing internally to prepare for direct threats rather than indirect ones. I anticipate a significant reduction in our physical presence in Europe, and how we reallocate those resources will be key to the success of this strategic shift.
Despite concerns about nationalism and isolationism, we remain a maritime nation. The current administration recognizes this, as reflected in its recent rhetoric about rebuilding our domestic shipbuilding capabilities and shifting focus toward the Pacific.
Ultimately, our national defense is strongest with allies, and the Atlantic remains just as critical as the Pacific. I suspect that "in the long run, Atlanticism will be back."
A lot is happening here in the U.S. that demands attention. Internal change was necessary, but hopefully, we don't break too many things we can't fix.
Let’s hope so, David. It appears that in the short term US defence manufacturers will lose out to European ones, and Trump’s overreach will result in an impoverishment for US industry. Is the US fully aware of the visceral anger in Europe at Trump’s behaviour? From what I’ve seen, I think not. For all of Trump’s righteous anger (which I share) about European military unpreparedness, I worry that the baby has been thrown out with the bath water. Let’s see!
That's useful background information.
That said, I'm coming to believe that a US return to the previous status quo will be difficult if not impossible.
https://longmemo.substack.com/p/europe-is-preparing-for-a-world-without
https://www.theconcis.com/p/the-beginning-of-the-end-of-american
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/america-first-is-a-lie-a76
Thank you. Yes, helpful analysis.
Excellent as ever Robert, reality tinged with hope for the future. My feeling is that if the Democrats in the USA get their act together they should be able to hamstring Trump and co for the last 2 years of this presidency. The biggest surprise for me so far has been the lead from Macron in Europe closely followed by Merz in Germany and who knew Starmer had a backbone and any leadership qualities
Excellent article Robert.
Thank you
Thank you. Yes, definitely agree about the Atlantic Charter and FDR's determination to use the war to kill two birds with one stone. However, in the North Atlantic the USA is still critical to NATO, as it offers a range of sophisticated military capabilities Europe simply doesn't have, as well as volume. I agree that Europe should stand on its own two feet, but binding the USA into our mutual collective security is still a good thing.
My barber is Iranian. He is also a Muslim. But there is plenty we can agree on. So it is with Americans of whatever denomination.
Atlanticism worked while it was in the interests of both Britain and America. There will be plenty of British and American barbers for years to come, in the State Department, for example, and because we are happy to watch Hollywood and eat Maccers, but US relations with Europe became conflictual when Americans started complaining about burden-sharing in NATO and the balance of trade with the EU. The time for a haircut was long ago.
I'd even make a play that relations were best when they were being entertained by Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, and by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company from the 1870s staging Gilbert and Sullivan Savoy operas, and when our merchant banks such as Barings financed much of their infrastructure.
I'd also suggest that Britain lost the war and capitulated to the USA on 14 August 1941 when the Atlantic Charter was announced: Churchill had from 10 May 1940 persuaded Britain to push through the Phoney War in order to preserve the Conservative Party, his aristocratic way of life, and the Empire, and the Charter gave a short back and sides to all three.