Estranged friends?1996

The two studies in Estranged Friends? examine the fundamental foreign policy attitudes of both ordinary citizens and elites on both sides of the Atlantic. In his essay, Max Kaase provides a thorough and precise analysis of the basic social pre-conditions that underlie the formulation and establishment of a new foreign policy. On the basis of representative surveys, Andrew Kohut provides a detailed and comprehensive description of the attitudes and values of American citizens and elites with regard to the global role of the United States. The authors conclude that established common interests continue to form a link between the transatlantic partners. The structures that helped to overcome the Cold War and successfully prevent the outbreak of an open conflict still survive. Nevertheless, Kaase and Kohut stress the necessity for future transatlantic coordination and action; without intensive consultation and cooperation, there is a risk that the mature partnership will relapse to the level of national selfishness.