The U.S. and the EU differences in anti-terrorism efforts

Abstract

While there is a consensus among developed countries over the need to combat terrorism, there are marked differences on how to accomplish that. Recently the European Union (EU) rejected a US-EU agreement on financial data exchange. Shifts in power in Europe are taking place, which contributed to this rejection. But more basically, there is a difference in views on the balance between about managing anti-terrorism efforts and respect for civil liberties, especially in data sharing. The post-WWII alliances are still strong, but Europe has a different take on many issues. In our interdependent globalized world, U.S. authorities are being required to adjust the tools and methods we can use. The sympathy and readiness to assist in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 have now faded. We should understand these differences and realize we are entering a period where being creative and factoring in the views of our allies is essential if we are to pursue successfully those who would do us harm.