Paige Porter April 3, 2012 INTL 4250 Dr.

Wiarda Review: Americans and Europeans Dancing in the Dark Dennis Barks analysis of the American-European relationship impartially evaluates the commonalities and essential differences between the two entities, which affect how the two interact and perceive each other. He presents his argument in seven chapters divided into three parts. When read in order, the parts form an account of essential differences, influences of these differences on interests, and the future of American-European relations. Bark contends that the European-American relationship is irreplaceable, and that if it disintegrates the consequences would be devastating for both entities. The transatlantic divide can be overcome and remedied with mutual appreciation for historical commonalities and ideals of Western civilization. Barks analysis identifies the essential difference between Europe and America lies in the concept of top down versus bottom up. This is evident in the way each government was formed and the way citizens view the role of their government. America is an infant compared to Europe. Americans formed their government from the bottom up. It was created by the people, for the people. European countries, on the other hand, have a long history of aristocratic rule, from the top down. The history of European aristocratic rule has created a dependence by the citizens on those who govern. Europeans seek for their governments to provide for them. The concept of patronage, in which the ruling class gives financial support to all manners of cultural, educational and social undertakings, still rings strong in Europe today. Patronage merely illustrates why many Europeans do not look to themselves, but to the top and hence to government, to rule, to decide, to control, to

Paige Porter April 3, 2012 INTL 4250 Dr. Wiarda determine, to underwrite, to patronize (Bark 48). Most European countries enjoy state medicine and transportation, as a form of modern patronage. Bark discusses other differences that affect European and American identity. America is the offspring of European immigrants who valued individual liberty and freedom. Americans express political nationalism and an appreciation for the values of the forefathers. They associate freedom with loyalty to America. Europeans, on the other hand, express cultural nationalism, and do not see a connection between freedom and loyalty to Europe. Socially, Americans tend to be less formal, with class distinctions making them nervous. Bark observes that being waited on makes Americans uncomfortable, and this has become more obvious with efforts to break down racial barriers. Meanwhile, Europeans are very aware of the social class into which they have been born (Bark 32) and there is little intermingling of either classes or races (Bark 29). Geographically, America is characterized by wide open spaces, while Europe is crowded and completely developed. The American Spirit and the European Spirit are reflections of their geography, defining them as open and closed societies respectively. Bark argues that there is immense significance of the contemporary influence of the essential difference. It is displayed in how each continent recovered and rebuilt after WWII. Europeans readily accepted top-down rule, while Americans deliberately limited the federal role and instead exhibited self-reliance. Bark explains, The development of the post-1945 economic and political order in Europe and America was significantly influenced by socialism; that is to say, it enjoyed tremendous appeal in postwar Europe, and was absent as a major political force in American politics (Bark 98). The way Americans view

Paige Porter April 3, 2012 INTL 4250 Dr. Wiarda freedom affects domestic and foreign policy. To Americans, freedom brings with it opportunity, hope and choice, and therefore, Americans place a greater value on protecting their freedom of opportunity than on restricting freedom to assure equality of result, which is the case in Europe, where rule from the top down guarantees economic security (Bark 95). If Americans freedom is threatened, they are more willing to defend it militarily than their European counterparts. Europeans and Americans share many commonalities that unite them across the Atlantic. They appreciate unifying forces of art, literature and music. The economies of the two entities are deeply intertwined and communication and travel between the two has never been easier. Despite these effortless connections, memories of what they have in common are fading. Christianity, which is central to the history of both Europe and America, is no longer central to either state. After September 11, growing discordance in the American-European relationship was manifested. Bark argues that Americans misinterpreted Europeans sympathies as support for a war on terrorism. This misinterpretation has lead to mutual resentment. In regards to future relations, Bark feels that our joint commitment to common values is the essence of our most important foreign policy asset. He says, If it is the essential difference that separates us, it is the values of Western civilization that unite us (Bark 220). Americans and Europeans Dancing in the Dark is a fundamental companion to Dr. Wiardas American Foreign Policy in Regions of Conflict. Many of Barks arguments and points directly coincide with aspects of Dr. Wiardas breakdown of Western Europe. Foremost, Bark and Dr. Wiarda both acknowledge that the once grand relationship is

Paige Porter April 3, 2012 INTL 4250 Dr. Wiarda fading away (Bark 1). Dr. Wiarda explains, The United States and Western Europe have drifted apart, culturally, religiously, politically, economically, and in our respective views of the world. The common basis of understanding between us has eroded (Wiarda 14). Secondly, both authors agree that U.S. policy towards Western Europe is shifting, and it is significant that they both emphasize the importance of the economic ties between the United States and Europe in the form of trade, investment, banking, joint ownership, business and commerce which Dr. Wiarda notes is an often-neglected factor in U.S.European relations (Wiarda 20). Bark highlights the magnitude of this economic relationship: Americans and Europeans share 50 percent of the global economy, and engage in annual trade and investment in excess of 1.5 trillion dollars (Bark 198). He also adds that the economies of America and Europe are so closely intertwined that trying to take measures against the other would be equivalent to shooting oneself in the foot(Bark 198). With both authors agreeing that the economic relationship of the U.S. and Europe is of greatest importance, one can surmise that despite the growing discord and differing worldviews, the preservation of this economic relationship is a critical motivation for U.S. policy towards Europe. The most interesting connection between Barks and Dr. Wiardas discussion is their mutual proposition of the dissolution of NATO as a viable future policy move. Dr. Wiarda asks, What usefulness does an institution like NATO have if its primary purpose containing the Soviet Unionhas disappeared? (Wiarda 30). Bark further proposes that the dissolution of NATO may be an option, and even creating a new alliance with states that

Paige Porter April 3, 2012 INTL 4250 Dr. Wiarda consider modern threats such as terrorism. He adds a comment from an American journalist in 2003 in response to Europes hesitation to support the invasion of Iraq: If this is what the U.S. gets from NATO, maybe its time America considered leaving this Cold War institution and reforming an alliance of nations. That understand the new threats to world order. . . . the Cold War is over, and the main threat to the West now is global terrorism employing nuclear and bioweapons (Bark 208-209). Because both authors agree that NATO no longer serves U.S. interests, one can assume that the U.S. and Europe may no longer need this formal alliance. Europe and the U.S. just do not see through the same lens anymore, and the U.S. could benefit from making new alliances with countries that agree to support its dedication to defense. On the other hand, Europes preoccupation with diplomatic and peace efforts could keep U.S. military power in check, balancing the U.S.s obvious inclinations towards military involvement. Americans and Europeans Dancing in the Dark is a strong examination of U.S.European relations in that it is relatively unbiased and provides equal evidence, support and explanation for views on either side of the Atlantic. He does not noticeably reveal a preference for either way of thinking. He also provides sufficient primary sources and anecdotes to give the reader first-hand insight into individual American and European views and thoughts. Americans who have traveled throughout Europe can appreciate Barks interaction and interviews with Europeans. I really appreciated the nature of the book in understanding European sentiments. While I was in high school, my father was stationed at the NATO base in Naples, Italy. I went to an international school, sponsored by

Paige Porter April 3, 2012 INTL 4250 Dr. Wiarda the U.S. Department of Defense. Naturally, I went to school with many other kids from other NATO countries, and the American students always had starkly contrasted views from the international students. Though we were all children of military parents, the Americans had much more aggressive stances on issues in regions of conflict, advocating support for American troops abroad. The international students exhibited more diplomatic views, and expressed great distrust of the American government and Department of Defense. They also observed that our history classes were very biased in coverage of European history and U.S. military involvement abroad, always skewing America as the hero of the world, which Bark acknowledges in his coverage of how differences influence contemporary policy. Barks discussion reinforces the experiences I had in political debates with foreigners. Though Bark gives meaningful anecdotes and justifications, his analysis contains some flaws that deserve acknowledgement. First off, Bark emphasizes the commonalities that Americans share with Europeans. However, when he describes these shared traits, he only refers to Western European countries. It is not safe for the reader to assume that Americans share all of these commonalities with Eastern European countries, which are considered very different from Western Europe. Bark should therefore distinguish between Western Europe and Eastern Europe, which has a distinct history under the control of the Soviet Union. Because of its distinct history, it is usually treated separately in terms of international relations. Dr. Wiarda, addresses this need for special treatment: It missed out on many of the great movements that led to the modern age. And second and related, Eastern Europe is considerably poorer than the rest of Europe.

Paige Porter April 3, 2012 INTL 4250 Dr. Wiarda It lacks the affluence, the style, the rich social programs that we associate with Western Europe (Wiarda 33). Barks discussion of future relations with Europe touches on the need for mutual agreement on policy in regions of conflict, but lacks detailed discussion of specific policies. He generalizes policy disagreements by explaining that Europes conflict resolution tends to be more diplomatic, while Americas defense policy tends to employ military power. So while Americans dont understand Europes disapproval of the invasion of Iraq, Bark clarifies that Europeans want to evolve from their long history of warfare. He says, If they often seem to be preoccupied with peace, and with freedom as a second-order effect, it is because they are (Bark 220). Meanwhile, Dr. Wiarda elaborates on the main foreign policy and strategic issues over which the United States and Western Europe disagree including: Reagans confrontational approach toward the Soviet Union; George W. Bushs war in Iraq; troops in Afghanistan; and a confrontational versus a cooperative approach to Iran and North Koreas development of nuclear capacities (Wiarda 21). Barks analysis would benefit greatly from a discussion of these specific issues, for readers to gain insight into European thoughts on these matters and policies. Barks Americans and Europeans Dancing in the Dark was a very insightful and enjoyable read. It is an alternative approach to the study of foreign policy, investigating the root of discord between America and Europe, and identifying it as a product of history and evolution. He proposes that greater mutual understanding and respect for differences, as well as a celebration of commonalities will improve the relationship between America and Europe.

Works Cited

Paige Porter April 3, 2012 INTL 4250 Dr. Wiarda

Bark, Dennis L. Americans and Europeans Dancing in the Dark: On Our Differences and Affinities, Our Interests, and Our Habits of Life. Stanford, CA: Hoover Institution, 2007. Print. Wiarda, Howard J. American Foreign Policy in Regions of Conflict: A Global Perspective. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. Print.