Historical Evolution of Atlanticism:
– Atlanticism emerged post-World Wars when U.S. and Europe shifted focus to each other.
– American lawyer Paul D. Cravath played a pivotal role in establishing Atlanticism.
– World Wars and the Atlantic Charter of 1941 reshaped transatlantic perspectives.
– Cold War’s end altered U.S.-Europe relations, with new democracies embracing Atlanticism.
Importance of NATO in Atlanticism:
– NATO’s significance reaffirmed during Barack Obama’s tenure, promoting multilateralism.
– Sanctions on Russia post-Crimea invasion strengthened Atlantic alliances.
– Tensions within NATO during Trump era due to democratic backsliding and differing opinions.
– Obama emphasized the importance of the Atlantic alliance amidst Trump administration.
Regional Variations and Complex Relationship:
– Strength of Atlanticism varies across regions like Eastern Europe, Central Europe, Ireland, and the UK.
– Some regions prioritize regional cooperation over trans-Atlantic ties.
– Atlanticism advocates for close North America-Europe alliance for security and prosperity.
– Tension exists between Atlanticism and continentalism, but not in direct opposition to North American or European integrations.
Ideology and Institutions of Atlanticism:
– Atlanticism promotes cooperation between North America and Europe, especially in security matters.
– Supranational integration in the North Atlantic region has been a focus since the late 19th century.
– Institutions like NATO, OECD, and the Atlantic Council promote Atlanticist ideals.
– The North Atlantic Council serves as the primary forum for Atlanticist discussions.
Prominent Figures and Contemporary Issues in Atlanticism:
– Notable Atlanticists include U.S. Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, and Reagan, and UK PMs Churchill, Thatcher, Blair, and Brown.
– Recent tensions within NATO raise questions about the alliance’s future.
– The Biden administration’s commitment to strengthening transatlantic ties signals a renewed focus on Atlanticism.
– Changing geopolitical dynamics, like Brexit and the rise of China, impact Atlanticist policies.
Atlanticism, also known as Transatlanticism, is the ideology which advocates a close alliance between nations in Northern America (the United States and Canada) and in Europe on political, economic, and defense issues. The purpose is to maintain or increase the security and prosperity of the participating countries and protect liberal democracy and the progressive values of an open society that unite them under multiculturalism. The term derives from the North Atlantic Ocean, which is bordered by North America and Europe.
The term can be used in a more specific way to refer to support for North Atlantic military alliances against the Soviet Union, or in a more expansive way to imply broader cooperation, perceived deeply shared values, a merging of diplomatic cultures, as well as a sense of community and some degree of integration between North America and Europe. In practice, the philosophy of Atlanticism encourages active North American, particularly American, engagement in Europe and close cooperation between states on both sides of the ocean. Atlanticism manifested itself most strongly during the Second World War and in its aftermath, the Cold War, through the establishment of various Euro-Atlantic institutions, most importantly NATO and the Marshall Plan.
Atlanticism varies in strength from region to region and from country to country based on a variety of historical and cultural factors. It is often considered to be particularly strong in Eastern Europe, Central Europe, Ireland and the United Kingdom (linked to the Special Relationship). Politically, it has tended to be associated most heavily and enthusiastically but not exclusively with classical liberals or the political right in Europe. Atlanticism often implies an affinity for U.S. political or social culture, or affinity for Europe in North America, as well as the historical bonds between the two continents.
There is some tension between Atlanticism and continentalism on both sides of the Atlantic, with some people emphasising increased regional cooperation or integration over trans-Atlantic cooperation. The relationship between Atlanticism and North American or European integrations is complex, and they are not seen in direct opposition to one another by many commentators. Internationalism is the foreign policy belief combining both Atlanticism and continentalism.
