ABSTRACT
On the pessimistic side, the drafters noted that the demise of the Soviet Union had not meant the end of threat to American interests. The Cold War's end may have complicated, but it has not settled, the question of the future American role in Europe. Winship, in what is really a literature review, presents a series of contrasting opinions on the part of Americans who have been pondering the country's European commitment, and while he is careful to avoid intruding too conspicuously into their debate, he does offer some thought-provoking suggestions. America has yet to debate its place in that new Europe, partly for reasons relating to its inability to conceptualize its interests in remaining militarily committed to Europe, with no apparent threat to justify it being there. In many ways, the American security relationship with Japan displays intriguing parallels with the German-American partnership.
