Publication

This paper provides a comparative analysis of European and American values in the post-Cold War era, specifically in light of President George W. Bush's re-election in 2004. Using empirical survey data, the author presents evidence that questions frequently-cited theses of incompatibility or value difference between the US and Europe. He examines the significance of such differences, particularly in the realm of foreign affairs, and reflects on whether internal value splits, for example between "liberal" and "conservative" Americans, are greater than those dividing the two geographic entities. The author concludes by highlighting different conceptions of value similarity and difference in the US and Europe, particularly with regard to the use of military force, and proposes explanatory factors including the historical experience of war and relative state size.