Transatlantic Relations in the Perception of the American Ruling Elite: the Economic Aspect

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the perception in the United States of the J. Biden administration transatlantic policy in economic sphere and role of the European countries in forming the new system of international relations. Considering this policy in the context of the process of fragmentation of the global economy, the authors analysed the views of the most active political and ideological groups within the American ruling elite. Although the overwhelming majority of politicians and experts agree with the administration's strategic line on the formation of integrated transatlantic economy as the core of a new system of international relations, nevertheless, they see different ways to achieve this goal. Thus, centrist Democrats believe that the United States should use its leadership to organise rapid and tough integration; conservative Democrats emphasise gradual transition and a soft policy towards the EU; progressive Democrats insist on climate priorities; moderate Republicans are for strategic control without European access to the US market; conservative Republicans see the basis of the unification only in center-right unity. At the same time, most groups agree with the administration on key issues related to the need for EU countries to withdraw from the Chinese market, the use of protectionist tools, countering the antitrust policy of Europeans, etc. It is concluded that in its transatlantic economic policy the administration receives confident support from the main groups of the American elite.