America's Perceptions of Europe

This book seeks to rectify Americans' views of its closest ally, Europe - an ambitious task, but one sorely lacking in the literature. Many prejudices about Europe surface in headlines, while others remain latent, but they are real, pervasive and ingrained.

"This very readable book provides a needed supplement to any introductory international relations course, and will find a thankful audience among both students and others interested in world affairs but put off by overly theoretical and abstract writing. Professor Eliasson explains clearly the importance of US-European relations to Americans while debunking myths, misperceptions, and outright errors commonly held by Americans about Europe, its people and institutions. Professor Eliasson shares with the reader his expertise as a foreign policy scholar as well as personal insights and experiences developed as a European and US citizen. His well researched book is supported with data and useful tables. He identifies US-European differences, similarities, complementariness, and competition. He argues that as both Europeans and Americans have changed, their interdependencies and need for each other politically and economically have grown. He urges the reader to consider that while China, India, Brazil and other developing nations have increasingly important international roles, the United States and Europe will continue to be dynamic engines of global economic growth and political stability upon which others depend." - Wayne R. Martin, Professor, Department of Political Science, California State University, Dominguez Hills

"Professor Leif Johan Eliasson s book American Perceptions of Europe is a welcome addition to the public policy debate on transatlantic relations after Iraq. Eliasson delivers a provocative and empirically-supported argument for what Europe is - and is not - that is accessible to lay readers and specialists alike. The book serves as a useful corrective to the most blatant pundit outbursts and helps to narrow the gap between the perception and reality of contemporary Europe. As the United States seeks partners in addressing important global challenges, it needs an accurate portrait of Europe. Professor Eliasson s book provides just that." - David Armitage, Jr., American University, author of Enduring Dilemmas in Transatlantic Relations

LEIF JOHAN ELIASSON is Assistant Professor at East Stroudsburg University, USA.