Wiley-Blackwell Divided West: European Security and the Transatlantic Relationship (Chatham House Papers)

This book analyses the genesis and process through which transatlantic strategic dissonance now defines a divided West. It contends that constructive strategic dissonance has the potential to best manage a complex and pressing global security agenda. Reflects on the bitter disputes that have crystallized across the Atlantic after 9/11 and the rise of terrorist, WMD and failed state threats. Structured around the concepts of ‘Atlantic’, ‘Core’, ‘New’ ‘Non-aligned’ and ‘Periphery’ Europe that have emerged in the wake of these disputes. Identifies the trends and factors that have driven and could further propel the Euro-Atlantic security community towards different futures. Analyses the security policy implications of each scenario for states within this region. Review 'This well-structured, crisply written volume is one of the best – and certainly one of the most succinct and conceptually interesting – to have been authored on that battered entity known as the transatlantic relationship. Quietly but effectively challenging the official myth that the crisis is now past, Forsberg and Herd reveal beyond all possible doubt that the trauma that arose as a result of Iraq and 9/11 still remains unresolved and, in official circles at least, little understood. Divorce may not be on the cards just yet. Nonetheless, difficult and problematic times lie ahead. A sobering, indeed essential read for policy-makers and academics on both sides of an ever-widening Atlantic.' Michael Cox, London School of Economics ‘Divided West makes a unique contribution to a vast literature on transatlantic relations. Rather than complaining how bad things are, the authors offer a lucid theoretical framework in which the current transatlantic imbroglio is clinically dissected. It is clearly the most thorough and thought-provoking book available in the field.’ Peter van Ham, Clingendael Institute, The Hague ‘This book makes uneasy but essential reading for Atlanticists and Europeanists. At the interface of theory and policy, this superb analysis plunges deep into the divide that is today's West and pulls no punches about the implications of strategic dissonance. It is quite simply a must read for anyone who cares deeply about the West and Europe's place within it.’ Julian Lindley-French, Centre for Applied Policy, University of Munich From the Inside Flap 9/11 and its aftermath helped make more visible divergent transatlantic approaches to the legitimacy of military intervention, the utility of ‘coalitions of the willing’, the effectiveness of regime change and the use of coercive force within the international system. The Iraq War and the strategic dissonance it generated led many to warn against the danger of transatlantic strategic divorce, and push for transatlantic strategic realignment. The book is structured around an analysis of five Europes - ‘Atlantic’, ‘Core’, ‘New’, ‘Non-Aligned’ and ‘Periphery’ – which appeared to have consolidated in this period. It argues that transatlantic strategic dissonance will be an enduring feature of the Euro-Atlantic security environment as it reflects economic and military power differences, the shifting values and identities and the policy and institutional preferences of all five Europes and the US. The book concludes by arguing that transatlantic strategic dissonance and a divided West contains the potential to constitute a viable platform for the constructive management of the global security agenda, as well as regulate relations within this security community. From the Back Cover 9/11 and its aftermath helped make more visible divergent transatlantic approaches to the legitimacy of military intervention, the utility of ‘coalitions of the willing’, the effectiveness of regime change and the use of coercive force within the international system. The Iraq War and the strategic dissonance it generated led many to warn against the danger of transatlantic strat