In addition, on continental Europe, many Eastern European countries profess a strong Atlanticist view, for example, Poland. This is viewed in many cases as a result of the US’ strong fight against communism and a sign of wariness of Western Europe’s genuine commitment to the East. This wariness is borne out of the past history of the major Western European countries Germany (who invaded many Eastern European countries in World War II) and France (which failed to honor security guarantees given to Eastern European countries prior to World War II).
Spain’s former Prime Minister Jose Maria Azna took a strong Atlanticist stand. After the March 11 2003 bombings, however, Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero rose to power on the basis of an anti-Atlanticist/anti-US/anti-Iraq war stance. His first act on being elected was to abrogate Spain’s troop commitments in Iraq.
The term Atlanticist (or Atlanticism) carries a variety of meanings, depending on one's perspective.
Advocates of the latter, without denying America's primary role in international affairs, argue that not only Europeans but increasingly Europe as a constituted political unit have distinct interests from those of the United States, and that it is necessary to express and act upon such interests."[1]
Important issues in this regard have a bearing on global economics and finance but also on intelligence, the effectiveness of military capability and deployment around the world, and the support of States that constitute global and regional pivots of a world-wide policy and strategy.
Atlanticist small talk is all that's left - Telegraph
At the Munich Conference on Collective Security the other day, he gave a note-perfect rendition of empty Atlanticist Euro-goo: "Our collective security depends on our co-operation and mutual respect and understanding," he declared, with a straight face.
A German federal prosecutor was investigating a war crimes complaint against the US Defence Secretary and, although it seems unlikely even the silliest showboating Europoseurs would have been foolish enough to pull a Pinochet on him, Rumsfeld made a point of not setting foot on German soil until Berlin put an end to that nonsense.
Feeds |
Contact