The Relevance of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for the United States in the 21st Century

With the rhetoric surrounding the ?America First? foreign policy it is easy to underestimate the importance of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to the United States in the 21st century. This monograph examines the relevance of these organizations in the context of the current and projected geostrategic environment. Europe is facing significant threats from increased Russian aggression migration terrorism and Brexit. In addition the United States appears to be pursuing a zero-sum approach to foreign policy which seems to undermine the solidarity and cooperation that have made NATO and the EU so important to both U.S. and European interests. This monograph will include recommendations for strengthening the U.S. relationship with the EU and NATO in the face of these challenges.