First published 2010
Richard N. Haass examines the persistent friction between American and European approaches to international relations. The book focuses on how the United States and European nations disagree fundamentally about handling problematic regimes. Haass analyzes five case studies: Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Nigeria. He explores why Americans and Europeans choose different foreign policy tools when confronting countries that violate human rights, pursue dangerous weapons, or sponsor terrorism. The author traces these disagreements to competing national interests, domestic political pressures, and contrasting philosophies about sanctions, diplomatic engagement, and military intervention. Haass demonstrates how these transatlantic rifts undermine both efforts to influence rogue states and broader cooperation between allies. The book concludes with practical recommendations for bridging policy gaps and warns about the consequences of continued discord between America and Europe.
Genres: international-relations, political-science, politics, non-fiction, academic, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-allies
Setting: America, Europe
Period: 21st-century
251 pages · Kindle Edition · Brookings Institution Press