The Atlantic Community: new traditions, new roles

The First World War and the Second World War provided the initial impetus for the formation of a cooperative bond between Europe and North America. The Cold War enabled the Atlantic Community to firmly establish itself and to construct the institutions that were to define its existence. The Community's role was to preserve the existence and democratic freedoms of its members against totalitarianism. The end of the Cold War did not change its underlying goal, but strains and disparities have emerged. Despite questions about its future, the Atlantic Community's existence is as strong as ever, reinforced by new and continuing threats to democracies. However, new roles and traditions must be developed in accordance with each nation's strengths, in turn strengthening the institutions of the Atlantic Community and the bonds among its members and enabling it to do what the United Nations is unable to do.