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March 09, 2005
Bush’s Trip to Europe Revisited
In this analysis of Bush’s trip to Europe the recognized Danish newspaper Weekendavisen sums up his Reconciliation Tour as “A changed tone, but no change in substance”.
According to the analysis, the purpose of President Bush’s recent trip was to mirror a sincere desire to reestablish the strongly injured transatlantic relationship after the disagreements on Iraq. But Bush did not bring any concrete promises or initiatives that could mark a “real” change in policy from Washington. No change in the American stand on Kyoto, The International Criminal Court, and no support for the European attempts to use diplomatic measures to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
But what was lacking in concrete policy changes, the Europeans to a high degree received in changed rhetoric and symbolism – which should not be underestimated. At this level, a change in rhetoric often indicates an ongoing or approaching alteration of policy. Thus, Bush was the first American president ever to visit both of the European Union’s executive branches – the Council of Ministers and the European Commission in Bruxelles. This is important, taking into consideration that not long ago members of the Bush Administration talked about “the European integration” as against American interests.
On his trip Bush now talked of Europeans as “America’s closest allies”, he supported the establishment of a “strong Europe”, and he even pretended to be “best pals” with the Iraq critics Chirac and Schröder. Furthermore, he refrained from publicly criticizing proposals for NATO reform, aimed at changing NATO from being a military organization to becoming a political forum for transatlantic dialogue – an idea Washington is strongly against.
Despite the changed rhetoric, friendly handshakes, and a sincere desire to improve the relationship, this Reconciliation Tour could not veil that inconsistencies between Europe and the United States still exist.
Posted March 9, 2005 11:38 PM
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