A Pro-American Europe
In the course of past three years, there has been a visible swing in European politics towards more conservative and pro-American governments. It started with conservative electoral victories in Germany and Poland in 2005, followed by similar results in Sweden in 2006 and in Finland and France in 2007.
Precisely a year after the French elected the pro-American Nicolas Sarkozy as their president, Italy has also followed the path by bringing back Silvio Berlusconi as its new prime minister.
Berlusconi’s center-right People of Freedom party won with a large majority in both houses of the Italian parliament, returning him to power for the third time. The impressive return of the right in Italy may be an indication of a new pro-American movement that is reshaping the European politics.
Just like his French counterpart, Berlusconi calls President Bush a friend and admires the American way of life. Berlusconi has made it clear that he is determined to make Italy’s relations with Washington warmer.
Under the leadership of Nicolas Sarkozy, France has decided to rejoin the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a full member. Sarkozy has also agreed to send an additional 800 French troops to Afghanistan. Now with Berlusconi in power, Italy is also likely to be a supporter of France playing a more prominent role in NATO and could give important support to France’s vision of a new, bolder European defense initiative.
Also with Berlusconi in power, it is very probable for Italy to become another international opposition towards the Iranian nuclear program. Adding Italy to France, Canada and Germany, nations where the governing and more pro-American parties are in power.
With the most recent developments in the European politics, it is now apparent that the European Union, the United Nations Security Council, and the G-7 -all are being led by a new group of pro-American leaders, and it is fascinating to foretell if this movement continues if a Democrat enters the White House next January.
