Stany Zjednoczone – przyjaciel, konkurent czy silniejszy brat Europy?

Abstract

The article analyses transatlantic relations looking at their three main dimensions: cultural, economic and political-military. The article argues that although the US now dominates Europe culturally and both are historically connected by the WASP heritage, important axiological differences do remain, especially given Europe’s diversity. With regards to economic relations, which cause most conflicts, the two entities are competitors but ones that cooperate closely and constitute the world’s largest economies and economic partners. This cooperation notwithstanding, Europe and the US differ in their standards and procedures as well as in their approach to China’s growing power. As far as political and military relations are concerned, the US and Europe are experiencing a shift from America’s patronage over Europe to an envisaged partnership. One of the main obstacles in that process is the lack of common EU policy, as well as Europe’s less aggressive international military presence.