Rethinking Europe's Future
Throughout his career, Calleo has "rethought Europe's future." This comprehensive volume touches on, inter alia, international relations theory, the history of European integration, transatlantic relations, the tradition of European mercantilism, the euro,and the still-limited progress toward a common foreign and security policy. The reader will also find in this symphonic work many themes from Calleo's previous compositions. The author calls for an "articulated pan-European model" that would foster more cooperation with Russia and a "more balanced Atlantic Alliance." Protectionism is appropriate because states have "the duty to protect the welfare of their peoples." The dominant U.S. role in European security matters needs to be reduced, and NATO's expansion is a mistake. The European Union should develop institutions that recognize the continuing importance of the nation-state as well as create efficient structures for cooperation. Nato should reflect the rise of the EU as a major actor in world affairs, and Washington should realize that a "Euro-American form of global leadership" may be more acceptable to the world than American hegemony.
This book was obviously written before the current world economic slump. The transformations brought about by the rude awakening to the global effects of terrorism might include a slowing down of European integration and EU enlargement. Nations might well feel compelled to reassert their own control over greater domestic security, and Europeans' reaction to the U.S. antiterror campaign may diverge from that of Americans. It will be interesting to read future essays by Calleo on these momentous changes.
Related
The recent emergence of nationalist and populist forces in eastern Europe, coupled with the rise of Russia, now threatens to derail efforts toward further EU integration, weaken NATO, erode the continent's stability, and damage U.S. interests. Washington must ensure that the region's new politics do not damage the European project, for a strong and cohesive EU is in everyone's interest.
Some form of regional sub-grouping is required to accommodate the security interests of the former Eastern bloc countries pending the evolution of a feasible continent-wide security order, such as a 'Danubian grouping', and a 'northern, more or less Baltic grouping'. NATO and the CSCE process offer the surest foundation for developing a new European order over the long term.
Washington insider opinion is mirrored in John Newhouse's Europe Adrift, but that does not mean the book is an accurate reflection of the continent.

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