This book assesses the state of transatlantic relations in an era of emerging powers and growing interconnectedness, and discusses the limits and potential of transatlantic leadership in creating effective governance structures. The authors first resort to theory and history to understand the transatlantic relationship. They then consider the domestic and systemic factors that might set the relationship between the United States and Europe on a different path. Finally, the authors locate the potential for transatlantic leadership in the context of the global power shift. The world of the 21st century displays different power configurations in different policy domains. This changing structure of power complicates the exercise of leadership. Leadership requires not only greater power and authority, but also persuasion, bargaining and moral suasion, all necessary strategies to build coalitions and manage conflicts between great powers.
Riccardo Alcaro
Multipolarity Multilaterism Transatlantic Relations European Union Global Governance european union politics us politics
“At a moment when the foundations of the transatlantic order seem to be trembling, this stellar collection of essays provides a valuable corrective. With contributions from a diverse and distinguished set of experts, THE WEST AND THE GLOBAL POWER SHIFT highlights the domestic and international factors that are straining relations between and within Europe and America. Yet the authors do not lose sight of the dense ties that still bind the two societies together, and will likely do so for many years to come. Readers seeking useful ways to understand an uncertain and increasingly worrisome world will learn a great deal from this excellent book.” (Professor Stephen Walt, Harvard University, USA)
“The "West" -- the relationship between the United States and its European allies -- has been at the heart of the global order for much of the last century, yet the cohesion of the West today is challenged both by domestic developments in Europe and America and by the "rise of the rest." In The West and the Global Power Shift, many of the world's leading scholars of transatlantic relations explore the domestic and international strains on the transatlantic partnership, and the prospects for Western leadership in an increasingly multilateral world. Essential reading for any student of transatlantic relations -- or indeed of world order in the 21st century.” (Professor Mark Pollack, Temple University, USA)
“This book provides a wide-ranging and conceptually informed analysis of the state of transatlantic relations in the second decade of the 21st century. It brings together a distinguished team of experts, who focus on frameworks for analysis, the challenge of emerging powers, the ‘domestic politics’ of transatlantic relations and the making of foreign policy, and processes of change and transition in central policy areas. The volume thus builds upon and ‘refreshes’ existing debates on transatlantic relations, but also provides a host of original analytical insights and applications.” (Professor Michael Smith, University of Warwick, UK)