摘要: As the United States fights the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) wrestles with its post cold-war role, it is imperative that America stays deeply engaged in Europe. The United States... 展开 As the United States fights the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) wrestles with its post cold-war role, it is imperative that America stays deeply engaged in Europe. The United States must maintain relevance in Europe to continue cooperation with Europeans on security and economic policies. The United States has maintained its most influential position on the Continent through its ongoing NATO leadership. However, on 16 August 2004, President Bush announced significant troop reductions in both Europe and Asia as part of the major restructuring and restationing of U.S. forces. On the surface this does not conflict with the U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) of September 2002, but as an overall U.S. position it may further divide the United States from its European allies, undermining NSS goals. The United States and Europe have always had a different view of the world. This view was muted during the Cold War when they were united against the USSR, but today, with no common enemy, the differences have come to the forefront. This divide can only deepen as the United States disengages from Europe. As their strategic visions diverge and the United States reduces its presence to just a few thousand forces spread among a handful of European countries, its influence may fade to the point where the United States is no longer a factor in European policy making. Though not an immediate concern, it could easily become one over the next two decades as the United States concentrates on the GWOT and the European Union (EU) concentrates on strengthening its union politically and economically as well as militarily with ratification of its first constitution. A strong NATO will aid the United States in the GWOT, be the international force used to prevent regional conflicts within Europe's influence, and ensure the continued strong economic growth of Europe. 收起