As the tag line “America and Europe in the new world order” suggests, the book Of Paradise and Power is Robert Kagan’s analysis of current transatlantic relations and the historical background which developed them. He doesn’t merely define the condition of transatlantic relations he also examines why they are the way they are. He views current situation through the eyes of the past, taking into account the changes brought about by various events in the past. He takes an in depth look at the power structures which have made things the way they are. Kagan notes in his book that the current power structures which influence the relations between Europe and the United States have been taking shape since the end of World War 2.

While the United States and Europe are still commonly referred to as “the west” Kagan makes a strong case for the position that the two are on diverging paths. He states that Europe and the United States have entirely different outlooks on the world, how it is and how best to engage it. He says that while they may have the same goal in mind, they have very different ideas on how to achieve these goals. Kagan then asserts that these differences have caused “the west” to be little more than a memory. However, the dissimilarities in approach and understanding are only symptoms of a deeper problem.

This deeper problem stems from there positions of power, mainly militarily, The United States being the only military superpower left in the world and Europe being relatively weak. Taking this power difference into account helps Kagan understand and explain the current state of transatlantic relations.

In order to illustrate the divide between Americans and Europeans on what an intolerable threat is Kagan uses the example of a man who encounters a bear in the woods. If the man is armed with just a knife then he is likely to consider the bear’s presence tolerable as opposed to trying to kill it with just a knife. But if the man is armed with a rifle then he may consider the bear less tolerable as he is more likely to eliminate the threat the bear poses without the same level of risk. The fact that the American military far outpaces combined European military forces shows us that America is more capable and, therefore, more likely to use force while Europe is less capable to use force and also less likely to agree with the use of force.

According to Kagan “this perfectly normal human psychology has driven a wedge between the United States and Europe”. This is why in situations such as those in pre-war Iraq, North Korea, or Iran the United States looks to military solutions, unilateral action, and other “hard power” options long before Europe does. It is also the reason why Europe is more likely to rely heavily on tactics such as economic sanctions and incentives, heavy reliance on international law, and compromise as well as other “soft power” options.

Kagan also remarks that these different positions of power lead to a different outlook on the world in general. The United States sees the world in a more idealistic way, with a more black and white, good and evil, perspective on things. America can afford to hold this outlook since they have the ability to punish those who get too far out of line. However, Europe has a different outlook on things. They can’t afford to see things in black and white. They must see things in shades of gray. They don’t have the power to hold the same outlook as the United States.

Kagan holds out little hope for any future transatlantic re-unification. He believes that the only way Europe and the United States can be on the same level once again is if Europe begins to build up its military power and capabilities to levels which compete with those of the United States. This wouldn’t be easy to say the least. Not just because the United States spends about five hundred billion dollars on defense a year, far beyond Europe, but also because of the “Kantian Paradise” that the new Europe has created, a new Europe that is tired of nationalistic and militaristic attitudes which dominated for centuries and brought massive bloodshed and instability. This new Europe is unwilling to build up its military power. This may be because they currently fall under the protection of the United States and have no perceived threats that are of chief concerns.

If everybody is gunning for the United States then why should Europe better arm itself? And since Europe isn’t prepared to damage economic and political relations with the United States in order to improve its position of power in the world, Kagan sees it as unlikely that they will significantly improve there military capabilities. Transatlantic relations will continue to deteriorate unless something happens to change the European’s minds.

Robert Kagan lays out a very convincing analysis of “the west”. Of Paradise And Power not only describes the current state of things but also looks at the underlying factors that determine why things are the way they are. His logic is quite compelling. He shows what the disagreements are as well as why both sides see there side as persuasive. He does not seem to take sides as to who is right but rather shows why there tactics are appropriate for there respective positions in the new world order.