Annals: Series on Military Sciences (Dec 2020)
THE TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS – CURRENT STATE AND PERSPECTIVES
Abstract
A review of the past three decades reveals that the transatlantic relations are based and have developed on shared values and interests of both sides of the Atlantic. Most of the post-Cold War period was marked by the United States and the European Union’s common action and joint support for multilateralism worldwide. Engagement and enlargement defined the 1990s and drew up the globalization era, while the 9/11 attacks brought together the United States and the European Union, along with their partners, in the global fight against terrorism. Starting with 2007 diverse challenges influenced the United States and the European Union re-directing focus on their own agenda. Diverse standpoints during the past years on highly visible topics such as the trade policy, Iran nuclear issue and climate change have pointed to a potential erosion of the transatlantic relations during the term of President Donald Trump. It is important to notice that these developments have occurred in a context marked by the accelerated competition of major international actors, and in particular, the rise of China as a challenger for the United States.
