Varium et mutabile semper Europa (?)


W's trip to Europe last week had one prominent theme: European leaders loudly advertising their desire to move past their differences with the United States — epitomized by Schroder's expressed desire to focus on the areas of agreement rather than disagreement.

I have to say that I'm confused.

Why are our former European allies — as "former" they indeed were, and rightly so, just a year ago — lining back up for the kissing booth?

To put it another way: Why aren't they continuing to hold Bush's feet to the fire, and holding him accountable for the wreckage of his foreign policy?

I think that the answer to the question is simply one of realpolitik, of what the Europeans have to gain by cooperation with the United States, but I don't understand what that is. It seems like the EU was all too ready to break away from its historical ties to the US, and while this broke my heart, I can't say that I blamed them. But now they're coming back.

We know now that the world won't stop turning if the EU and US are at odds on serious matters from time to time. Furthermore, the longer the US bumbles around alone, alienates minor players on the world stage, and squanders blood and treasure, the more likely it is that Europe will ascend to a dominant position in world affairs.

Is it possible that they have seen what happens when one large power takes center stage, and have consciously decided that they don't want that for themselves?

To be clear: I'm glad that our relationship with Europe is improving once again; I just don't think that we deserve it, and until I understand why it's happening, I'm going to stay suspicious.

Posted: Tue - March 1, 2005 at 10:14 AM   | Category:     |   |   | |


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