Introduction

The main objective of The New Transatlantic Agenda: Facing the Challenges of Global Governance is to analyze the new developments in Euro-Atlantic relations in view of the changing nature of the European Union and the United States. Transatlantic relations in regard to the Balkan region, the Middle East, and then in regard to Russia and China are examined by Radoslava Stefanova, Volker Perthes and Hall Gardner respectively. Volker Perthes in "The Advantages of the Complementarity: The Middle East Peace Process" examines the transatlantic relationship in regard to the Middle East. He argues that US-European differences over the Middle East have to be characterised as differences of priorities and approach, rather than differences of purpose or vital interests. Despite the fact that the United States and the European Union are their most important economic partners, and despite an impressive record in economic integration, there are currently some potentially serious trade disputes between the two transatlantic partners.