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REMARKS BY CONDOLEEZZA RICE
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
TO THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
June 7, 2001
Note: Remarks as prepared for delivery
In his first extended foreign trip since taking office, President Bush sees an important opportunity to advance our common goals with Europe and to discuss our common challenges.
This trip takes place against a backdrop of conversation -– in the media, in academia, and in diplomatic circles -– that speaks of a “values gap” between America and Europe. The source of the alleged gap is said to be differences between the United States and Europe over issues such as the death penalty, gun control, and genetically modified foods. Some even say there is a “strategic split” -- over issues such as landmines, global warming, and missile defenses. The premise of the argument is that, no longer bound together by the threat of Soviet Communism, America and Europe are growing apart. Some go a step further and posit that we are destined to become adversaries instead of allies.
The President and his Administration fundamentally reject this premise. Europe and the United States are partners today. We will continue to be partners tomorrow and the day after -- strong partners. Not because of destiny, but by choice. Not because of the inertia of our history, but because of our shared interests, and, indeed, our common values.
For starters, the United States and Europe have a strong common interest in maintaining healthy economic and trade relationships. Our investment and annual trade relationship values approximately $1.5 trillion. U.S. exports to the EU support some 1.3 million American jobs. Trade in goods and services between the United States and the European Union nearly doubled during the 1990s. In short, our economic ties alone justify a very close relationship with Europe.
The same holds for our security relationship. Our interest in European security did not end with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, we are working closely through NATO to forge the Europe that our grandfathers and fathers fought for through two world wars -- a Europe whole, free, and at peace. We are working to consolidate our gains in bringing peace to the Balkans. We are working and consulting closely to develop a new strategic framework to deal with new, common threats such as terrorism, information warfare, and weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them. The President is looking forward to addressing all of these topics on his trip.
The debate over a “values gap” or a “strategic split” ignores the fact that at a very fundamental level our economic interests and our security interests -- far from driving us apart -- are major factors in keeping the United States and Europe working together.
But the more fundamental irony is that the values debate is taking place at a moment when our core values –- the common values of the Trans-Atlantic community –- are ascendant.
Citizens on both sides of the Atlantic believe that all humans have the right to fundamental freedoms: the freedom to say what we think, worship as we wish, and choose who shall govern us. We believe that open economies and open trading systems are the fundamental starting points for building prosperity and meeting essential human needs. These beliefs -– in freedom for people within borders and freedom for commerce across borders -– have long characterized our partnership with Europe. What is different today is that so much of the rest of the world agrees with us on these fundamental values and principles.
Indeed, these principles are the hallmarks of the global age. From Latin America to Russia, from Asia to Africa, there is growing recognition that the only way to improve lives is to open up the economy, root out corruption, eliminate statist subsidies and control, and root out protectionist barriers. There is increasing recognition that economic and political liberty creates the space necessary for individuals to use their talents to produce not just personal happiness but societal benefit.
More and more nations understand that this is the basic dynamic of globalization. As a result, they are choosing freedom and openness -- for their economies, their trade relations, and their political systems. That is why today a higher percentage of people live in democracies than ever before.
Freedom and respect for basic human liberties are not values that are “Made in America.” They are not “American” values any more than they are “European.” They are both. And they are neither. Today, increasingly, they are universal.
I do not mean to downplay any of the issues that are driving the debate over a values gap. Our Trans-Atlantic partnership must and will have open, healthy debate on issues where we differ. Reasonable people can disagree on the best approach to policy issues such as global climate change and genetically modified foods. We should present our differences honestly, look at facts objectively, and pursue solutions pragmatically and creatively.
On something as fundamental as the death penalty, both sides must respect the fact that our positions are the result of free and open democratic discourse within our civic and political institutions. And we should appreciate the fact that there is evidence to suggest that the views of our citizens are more ambiguous, and probably a lot closer, than the positions of our governments.
But in many ways, the debate over a “values gap” between the United States and Europe is the kind of self-indulgent debate that only the very successful and well-off can afford. The debate appears to take place in a vacuum, ignoring the important work still to be done to build the kind of Europe we know we want; the kind of Europe we know we can achieve. The debate also looks past the important work that together the United States and Europe can achieve beyond our borders: to help foster open societies with open economies around the world. To help bring peace and health to Africa. To help set an example of multi-ethnic democracy for those lands where difference is still seen as a license to kill.
This is an important agenda and these are great goals. And one of the defining characteristics of the global age is that no nation -– not even a “hyper-power,” if one existed -– can reach these goals alone. To achieve great things in the world we need great partners. Strong partners. We know that when we share our strengths and our smarts that Europe and America make the very best of partners. History is our witness.
