There seems to be a reassessing of world relationships presently taking place. The use of "seems" in the foregoing sentence on second thought is too cautious. I speak of relationships among countries politically, militarily as well as economically through trade relationships. Particularly I speak of the U.S. (America) and Europe.
The Atlantic Alliance is not what it used to be. The World Trade Organization is having new and sometimes unanticipated impact as it begins to have influence and as new members have joined and/or seek to join. Old organizations, the United Nations, NATO, the World Bank and the IMF, seem not to be having the same impact or influence. Certainly,
at a minimum, those organizations cannot be said to be achieving the lofty goals of their original charters (the UN immediately post WWII and the others at Bretton Woods or as the Cold War began shortly afterwards.).
And, old and "new" nations are having their own impact: the rising economic influence of China alone, when its military potential is considered and its political intentions unclear (at best) is thrown into Atlantic Alliance consideration; and what of Russia and the former Eastern block nations added to this calculus. Not to mention the Islamic nations, the Mideast (dare mention Israel/Palestine), sub-Saharan Africa... and on and on and on. All this without so far mentioning the changing demographics: the core of "Old" Europe, aging and potentially losing population while the U.S. is getting younger and growing.
But, the real question is, "Why should this surprise?"
Recent articles in The International Herald Tribune discuss European and American attitudes towards each other. It's a frank discussion that indicates that the necessities of cooperation in WWII and during the Cold War covered up some natural disagreements between Europe and America. This for about 50 years. The break up of the Soviet Empire in the late 1980's now, albeit to date somewhat gradually, brings focus to these differences. While I don't necessarily agree with all of the analysis, I am persuaded on the basic point and thrust of the reasoning. And this is something that must be addressed, now almost immediately, and in the future.
It's clear, at least to me, that the two, Europe and America, are in competition with one another. The war (II) made for a necessary alliance. Further, Europe needed the U.S. while the Soviet behemoth was at its door. Europe no longer needs the U.S., at least in the same way and to the same extent. And vice versa, the U.S. now has more pressing problems elsewhere in the world and even in its own hemisphere.
In some subterranean compartment of the average American’s mind, I believe that thought is apparent even if not expressed. (Yes I speak of that collective subconscious mind of that hypothetical American that many in Europe would never be credulous about.) I'm not at all sure that there is an average European (again hypothetical) that has contemplated this. My hypothesis reformed and maybe more simply stated is this: Were it raised to consciousness, that subconscious now mindful American when confronted with the idea of caring about Europe would simply... not care. And, maybe, the typical hypothetical European would be surprised at this.
But, maybe I'm wrong. Certainly, as with most things, cooperation should be the rule. Where interest coincide, certainly anyway. But, I think many Americans will be happy to see troops no longer residing in Europe. It's been rather expensive. And maybe Europeans, should they have need for some military preparedness of their own can find it within their budgets to provide the funds. Doubtful that will be necessary though. Europe is at peace with the world and has voice in the United Nations and that provides insurance to the assurance of all things remaining peaceful.
(Let's talk it out guys. Peaceably and with sweet reason we shall negotiate all this. Let's all have a vote on it. If we have a problem, let's resolve it with a Resolution. Note: Anyone priced an aircraft carrier group lately? The purchase requires 12-13 ships of varying size and cost, plus a few people. Probably have to spend a little less on health and welfare, pensions and such if you owned one though.)
Now I live in Ukraine, a former member of the Soviet Empire. And there are a number of countries like Ukraine that were such. Many of these countries are or soon will be participating in the European Union. (Based on present circumstance Ukraine may have to wait a while.) Now, I wonder what those countries believe with respect to military defense (the necessity for or lack of need thereof), socialism, European style democracy, etc. Maybe I wonder (in all this wondering and wandering) a little about Russia too. It's Europe, right?
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