Tony Blair’s Atlanticism has led to human sacrifices from Basra to Istanbul compounded by political sacrifices at home and divisions within Europe. But, perversely, no other policy has done more for Europe.
In 2003, with the United States committed to invading Iraq, a non-compliant Europe risked being cut asunder from the hyperpower that had protected the continent since 1945. Powerful influences within the Bush administration already doubted the benefits of cold war alliances.
The radicalism of American foreign policy on Iraq paralysed European diplomacy. France and Germany responded to their domestic constituencies and declined a place in the coalition of the willing. It confirmed Washington’s suspicions of their erstwhile allies.
In Britain, the government was lost amid confused motives and the ill-defined, nascent language of regime change and liberal interventionism.
But Britain’s alliance with the United States has saved Europe from exposure and impotence. By virtue of geography, preserving the transatlantic alliance locks Europe, not just Britain, into American foreign policy just as neo-conservative thinking sought to loosen ties with the continent. If the primary purpose of diplomacy is security, then Britain has not only conformed to its own interests but those of a continent.
Britain’s role in Iraq has also reminded Europe of the reality of power and what it must do to play its part in a troubled world. A new focus on a common military capacity would be irrelevant without the involvement of its most influential player. Europe has realised that ideals are nothing if they cannot bite.
British sacrifices have protected Europe’s security and focused minds on our continent’s international responsibilities. Never before has Britain been so precious to its European allies.