The Next Superpower? The Rise of Europe and Its Challenge to the United States

Americans have been recently lectured that "Americans are from Mars and Europeans are from Venus." But this slogan fails to account for the economic might of the European Union, which has elevated the EU—and its member countries—to near superpower status. What are the implications of this development for the United States? Ambassador Rockwell A. Schnabel and Francis X. Rocca take up this critical and complex question in a detailed, firsthand analysis of the EU institutions, their leadership, and the member countries. Although Europe today cannot challenge America in military terms, the 25-nation economic giant can influence world events to the benefit or detriment of the United States. This book will answer the timely and crucial question of how the "rise of Europe will affect U.S. prosperity and security for decades to come." Ambassador Schnabel dispenses with diplomatic niceties. He is critical of both U.S. and European policies. Schnabel and Rocca give readers a compelling and provocative inside look at the people and issues that will decide whether the world's most consequential partnership flourishes or flounders. While alerting readers to the economic and geopolitical challenges posed by a stronger EU, the authors reject the complacency of those who see American "unipolarity" as a license to neglect our allies, or those who entertain the illusion that we can "divide and conquer" Europe. This book will make clear why the U.S. must work with the EU—or expect the EU to work against it. --Timely work: Europe now faces crucial choices--free market versus interventionist economic policies; pro-American versus anti-American foreign policies--that could determine the prosperity and security of the U.S. and the world. --Insider status of the author, reporting from the front lines of the transatlantic relationship. --This book explains why the European Union matters to the U.S.--in econimic, geopolitical and cultural terms--and how America's government and business community can deal with it better in the future.

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Reviews:

""Rockwell A. Schnabel...is among the most astute observers of European affairs""—Michael Potemra, National Review

Introduction * A Very Brief History of European Integration * The European Union as an Economic Superpower * The European Union as a Geopolitical Superpower * The European Union as a Cultural Superpower * Dealing with the European Union * Lobbying the European Union # A New Chapter? # Appendix I: The European Union Institutions # Appendix II: A Personal Tour of the European Union Member States