Author

Joon Suk Kim is Professor of International Studies at Catholic University. He received his B.A. and M.A. from Seoul National University, and his Ph.D. in Politics from the University of Chicago. His major articles include: “Reinterpretation: U.S., Germany, Netherland, and the European Union,” “The European Union and Normative Power,” and “Normative Foundation of European Identity.”

Abstract

The following paper reviews recent changes in the U.S.-Europe relationship. The paper consists of two parts. The first part examines reasons for the persistence of NATO which was widely expected to cease to exist with the end of the Cold War but continued to work as a multi-function, multi-purpose alliance. Of course, a question still remains as to what kind of role NATO can and should play in the absence of "common enemy." Giving a clear and simple answer to this question has been made all the more difficult as tension is rising among NATO allies over wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the problem of ascendant Russia. In the second part of this paper, attention is focused on U.S.-Europe relationship which is now showing signs of serious trouble. What is particularly notable in this regard is the fact that the EU is trying to establish its own domain as an independent international actor. The European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) was launched in 1999 and has been strengthened as "European" security institution directed and coordinated by European countries on the basis of European conception of security. NATO's and ESDP's functions partly overlap and this might provide a potential source of conflict between the U.S. and European countries.

The full text in Korean is available here