ABSTRACT
It is possible to analyse transatlantic relations from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Commonly, scholars pick up factual elements, relevant to some understanding or misunderstanding on both sides of the Atlantic and, from this point of view, they sketch a diagnosis in which there is an implicit normative value. By contrast, an analysis based on actors’ perceptions and misperceptions has an explanatory value that aims at a better understanding of partners’ attitudes currently and in the future. The immediate result of this kind of analysis should be to clarify the essential nature of both parties and consequently to arrive at a better conceptualization of the EU as international actor and a more accurate understanding of US reasons for acting as a hegemonic power. Since a well-functioning transatlantic relationship is a source of EU empowerment, as we will try to demonstrate, and thus an invigorating factor for the EU’s international presence, our conclusions will contain some normative influences too.
