Description
Book SynopsisA bold argument that tackles current trends, such as rising nationalism, arguing that they strengthen rather than undermine transatlantic ties.Is the West finished as a political idea? In recent years, observers have begun pointing to signs that this transatlantic community is eroding. When the European Union expanded, the classic European nation state was in decline. Now, nationalism is on the rise. Furthermore, nations within the EU are less willing to cooperate with the US on policies that require sacrifice and risks, such as using military force alongside the US. Today, following the twin shocks of Brexit and Trump''s election, the concept of a unified Western transatlantic community seems to be a relic. But, in Pax Transatlantica, the international historian Jussi Hanhimäki explains why the West is far from over.Hanhimäki argues that-despite Trump''s inflammatory, dismissive rhetoric-NATO continues to provide robust security for its member states. NATO has survived by expanding it
Trade Review[An] insightful analysis of the post-Cold War era, of the prosperous, growing, multi-national, transatlantic community... Hanhima¨&ki's analysis of the remarkable history of the transatlantic community from the end of the Cold War to 2020 is multi-dimensional, masterful, and brilliant. * Francis M. Carroll, University of Manitoba, Diplomacy & Statecraft *
The war in Ukraine has once again brought the function of the transatlantic relationship to the fore. This concise but rich book maintains that the transatlantic relationship remains in a state of uneasy unity. Despite occasions of division and disagreement, the robustness of its structural connections and institutional arrangements ensure that no significant developments will cause it to break apart. The transatlantic response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine is a timely incentive for academics and practitioners alike to learn from Hanhima¨&ki's lines of reasoning and better understand the developments as they unfold. * Mahmoud Javadi, European University Institute, Journal of Contemporary European Studies *
This narrative of a weakened partnership is the target of Jussi Hanhima¨&ki's highly effective new book... Hanhima¨&ki in his familiar lucid style, argues that not only are transatlantic disputes hardly new, but they are also not nearly as fatal as the echo chamber of politics and media imply. The supposedly ever-imminent collapse of the West, he makes clear, is a much-overhyped phenomenon. * Michael Holm, Boston University, International Social Science Review *
If you are looking for one book that explains the post-World War II history of transatlantic military, economic, and political relations up to the present day, you need look no further. In this masterful work, Hanhimäki explains the close ties—and inevitable conflicts—that have and will continue to mark America's relations with its European partners. * James Goldgeier, Professor of International Relations, American University *
No one knows more about the transatlantic relationship than Jussi Hanhimäki. This book, published on the heels of a destructive Trump presidency, is a welcome reminder that the community has suffered frequent travails but retains sources of enduring strength. * Hal Brands, Professor of Global Affairs, Johns Hopkins-SAIS, and Scholar, American Enterprise Institute *
Pax Transatlantica offers compelling evidence that transatlantic economic, political, and military ties will endure. Hanhimäki shows how recent crises reflect continued interdependence, and he explains why NATO will remain strong in coming years. Everyone interested in American relations with Europe should read this smart, powerful book. * Jeremi Suri, Professor of History, University of Texas at Austin and author of The Impossible Presidency *
This spirited, immensely enjoyable book is the smartest commentary on US-European relations in a long time. With wit and insight, Hanhimäki shows how the Pax Transatlantica has created our world and that it's more robust and resilient than we often assume. This book is a tonic for our troubled times. * Andrew Preston, Professor of American History, Cambridge University *
In this shrewd volume by one of the most original writers on the transatlantic relationship Hanhimäki explains in crystal clear language why in spite of the various crises it has experienced what he calls Pax Transatlantica continues to form the bedrock upon which the international order rests. A wise, necessary and uplifting book that everybody needs to read in the wake of the wrecking ball called Trump. * Michael Cox, Emeritus Professor of International Relations and Founding Director of LSE IDEAS, London School of Economics *
Hanhimäki, one of the leading historians of international relations, has written a refreshingly optimistic book in the midst of the pervasive pessimism and gloom created by the coronavirus pandemic. In extraordinarily concise fashion, he provides rich historical context and perspective to the intricate ways—politically, economically, and in terms of security—the United States and Europe are bound together in what he calls, Pax Transatlantica, a community that embraces both conflict and cooperation, always seeming to be on the verge of crisis and decline, but still persevering and enduring. A brilliant and incisive treatment of one of the most fundamental features of international life in the 21st century. * Thomas Schwartz, Professor of History and Political Science, Vanderbilt University, and author of Henry Kissinger and American Power *
Hanhimäki enjoys a unique advantage as an author.He knows the American and European sides of the transatlantic relationship supremely well, but as a Finnish-Swiss double citizen—in his words, a 'super-neutral'—he also maintains critical distance from both sides. This unique vantage point enables the author to examine today's economic, political, and security issues with a fresh eye—showing how, as he wisely puts it, the transatlantic relationship is 'a great success story that is always on the brink of catastrophe.' Highly recommended for scholars and general readers alike. * Mary Elise Sarotte, author of The Collapse *
Hanhimäki has produced a concise, well-argued study of recent transatlantic relations, which exposes the fact that its recent troubles are neither unique nor new. For those seeking a sound overview of the field, they would be hard-put to find something better. * Alan Dobson, Professor of Politics, University of Dundee *
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Abbreviations Introduction. Rollercoaster Chapter 1. Victory and the West: An Autopsy Chapter 2. The Guardian of Pax Transatlantica Chapter 3. Interdependence and Integration Chapter 4. Politics and Populists Chapter 5. 2020 - Going Viral Epilogue. Back to Normal? References
