Nations are not something eternal. They had their beginnings and they will have an end. A European confederation will very probably replace them. But such is not the law of the century in which we are living. At the present time, the existence of nations is good thing, necessity even. Their existence is the guarantee of liberty, which would be lost if the world had only one law and only one master. (1) -- Ernest Renan, 1882 With ten new members added into the fold and new draft constitution working its way through capitals for ratification, the European Union (EU) is in the midst of unprecedented political and geographic integration. This transcontinental constitutional process is major undertaking. Of course, at 263 single-spaced pages, just reading the EU constitution is major undertaking. One can't help but compare the EU's behemoth to the US Constitution, which is modest 4,600 words, not including amendments. While the EU document addresses everything from fisheries to occupational hygiene, the US Constitution deals with broader matters--treaties and taxation, war and peace, rights and responsibilities. Perhaps it's understandable, then, that as Europe strives to come together, the transatlantic community, led as it is by the States, seems to be coming apart. Some voices on both sides of the Atlantic argue that this parting of ways is inevitable, even desirable. After all, the differences between Europe and the States are more pronounced and their common interests less obvious than at any time in the last 65 years. However, if the history of the past hundred years or so teaches us anything, it is that the transatlantic partnership is an essential ingredient both to the security of the States and to the security of the modern Hence, understanding the changes and challenges within Europe could help Americans respond to the changes and challenges facing the transatlantic community. is The question What is Europe? is not so easily answered--especially, it seems, inside Europe. Some see Europe as large chunk of the northern hemisphere stretching from Iceland to Siberia; some say it's smaller, but they don't know precisely how much smaller. Some say Europe is an economic club, an idea, common cultural heritage. Others say it's political unit of diverse peoples--hence, the EU's new motto United in Diversity. British Prime Minister Tony Blair wants a Europe of nation-states, while French President Jacques Chirac envisions a grand design for Europe, one that will secure France's place in the world. (2) Answering this question is essential for Europeans and the rest of the world, however, because as long as it remains unanswered the still-amorphous swath of earth known as Europe cannot really play dependable role in international security. Like college student finding herself or 40-something going through his mid-life crisis, an undefined Europe may be independent; it may even offer something constructive from time to time; but it will usually be self-centered and focused inward. This sort of Europe cannot be an enduring partner in the 21st century. Europe is indeed common market--and powerful one at that. After all, the European Union consists of some 450 million people. When considered as one unit, the EU's 25 economies comprise the largest gross domestic product (GDP) on earth. But is it really union? It has flag and pan-national anthem. It claims to have common currency, though key members of the EU, including the Kingdom, have not adopted it. However, Europe has no common foreign policy. It has no common language, except perhaps the language spoken by George W. Bush and Blair, two men who have caused more than little heartburn for the continental club. Indeed, the EU's draft constitution is written in almost two dozen languages. Europe also has no common history or ethnicity or founding moment. …