"Transatlantic Cooperation and Influence: The Virtues of Crisis and Compromise"

Burwell, Frances G. (1999) "Transatlantic Cooperation and Influence: The Virtues of Crisis and Compromise" . In European Union Studies Association (EUSA) > Biennial Conference > 1999 (6th), June 2-5, 1999, pages 31, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Abstract

An examination of three episodes in which the United States sought European cooperation (on its own terms, admittedly) and was met with strong resistance, demonstrates that the process of overcoming that resistance-and thus having any hope for cooperation on disputed issues-is extremely complex, with many factors contributing to success or failure. Although definitive conclusions should not be drawn from three cases, two key lessons stand out. First, the successful exertion of influence may depend on the willingness and ability of one country to provoke a crisis, but then be able to manage that crisis so that it can be used to force a resolution. Second, even the country that seeks to “win” must be willing to compromise; in the game of international influence, nobody gets everything they want.