Of Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New World Order

This was a great book describing the changing dynamics between the U.S. and Europe as a consequence of America's ascending military and economic might. It is a fast read and is well written. This book is mostly a retroactive look at the relationship of weak countries and strong countries.

It doesn't matter what political stripe you wear, Kagan's book is a fascinating look at current-day international politics. Kagan presents a wonderfully logical argument about the relationship between Europe and America. And while he doesn't necessarily present any information that is new or surprising, he does help connect the dots in a manner that makes most readers go, "Aha!" Kagan's writing style is very user-friendly, unusual in a field known for its clunky style and obscure historical references (Thomas Friedman notwithstanding). He uses wonderful anecdotes and analogies to help paint his picture of the differences in the ways that America and Europe view world-wide threats (A bear roaming in the woods is viewed differently by a man with a rifle as opposed to a man with a knife). And given these acknowledged differences, is it any wonder that America and Europe increasingly find conflict over the way we resolve these problems? America wants to quickly solve the problems with arms (we have lots of over-powering weapons and a strong distaste for any American deaths); Europe would much rather discuss the problems over time and come to a non-conflict resolution (they don't have the weapons and have come to appreciate the power of discussion). As a dyed-in-the-wool liberal, one who attended the numerous spring anti-war demonstrations throughout my hometown, I now look at the world in a different way after reading this fine book -- and what could be a better compliment to any author? And while I continue to feel America's heavy-handed approach is ultimately wrong, this book has given me a more balanced perception of the way things work.

I've lived in Europe fifteen years; all my children were born there. I love Europe, despite the overwhelming anti-Americanism I've encountered. I've felt guilty for being an American; I've felt angry at Europeans for their anti-Americanism. But I have never understood exactly why I felt guilt, or why Europeans felt angry. This book explains it. It is, without doubt, one of the most persceptive and depressing books I have ever read. No wonder Europeans hate this book. It is terrifyingly accurate and damning. Worse, it bodes no good future. If you have any questions about American foreign policy (and believe me, this is NOT a Republican, pro-Bush tract) and any wonder why Europeans oppose us (and this is NOT an anti-European treatise), then read this book. It is unforgiveably insightful. Our relations with Europe are doomed; the future is not at all like the past. After reading this book (it took only a few hours) I was profoundly depressed. This is a good and helpful sign. It's long past time we stopped deceiving ourselves. We need to face reality. This book is the ultimate reality. But beware, you're not going to like what the future foretells. For heaven's sake, spend a few dollars, invest a few hours, and get a good grasp of reality. It sure as hell beats the Fox Network.

The evolution and maturation of Europe after the European-led slaughters of the 20th century is amazing, and both the US and the Europeans should take credit. However, Kagan shows that the utopian post-modernist views of most Europeans work primarily inside Europe- a cocoon of like-minded, modern, democratic countries allowed to pupate under the protection of US power. If the US were able to pretend that the entire world consisted of the US, Canada and Mexico then things would be dandy, indeed. Unfortunately, the kind of international cooperation and good behavior found within Europe or within N. America or amongst modern, democratic nations generally does not seem to apply to states such as Iran, N. Korea, Iraq, etc. These nations don't follow the example of good European behavior and yet the Europeans are loath to discipline them- the utopian European view is "set a good example and hope for the best" and if this doesn't work, then try bribery and appeasement rather than punishment. Many of us would not want to spend much time around children raised this way, nor would I want to live in a society which treated its criminal element in such an undisciplined matter. If criminals get away with murder then citizens begin to question why any law should apply to them and vigilantism prevails. If N. Korea or Iran or Iraq can violate non-proliferation agreements with impunity, why should the US care to sign such an agreement? Are laws only for the law-abiding? The French chastise the US for not signing on to the International Criminal Court while extending a warm invitation to Robert Mugabe to visit Paris. While Kagan highlights the issues, and shows that the diverging European and US attitudes are closely tied to their contrasting ability/desire to project military power, he doesn't really come up with any solutions. However, the current situation at the UN security council highlights the choices- vigilantism (i.e. the US acts alone) or an international enforcement mechanism with real backbone (the Security Council actually attempting to enforce some of its resolutions). While most people in society (and most countries) are naturally law abiding, we still need police forces and jails, and for the small percentage of truly hard-core offenders the purpose of a jail sentence really isn't punishment for the criminal but rather protection for the rest of us. Until we figure out how to internationalize a truly robust system of international criminal laws and enforcement we will be left in a Hobbesian world run by a somewhat erratic US sheriff.

Good for anyone wondering why Europeans disagree with Americans over the Iraq war as well as many other areas. The book covers both sides pretty well. I read it in one sitting. Fits the times perfectly.