This volume reappraises the transatlantic relationship in the light of its origins, history and past record, and also in the light of new developments since the demise of the East-West antagonism. What common security interests remain, and what possibilities for joint action are there? Does the will exist to use common instruments (particularly NATO) effectively? Or are the continents drifting apart as the number of immigrants to North America from the Pacific area rises, and the number of first-generation Americans of European extraction virtually disappear? Does competition for markets once again hold the potential for antagonism? The volume focuses in particular on recent concrete proposals aiming at translating potential antagonism into more fruitful co-operation, and on developments in the near future that will crucially affect transatlantic relations.