We have learned the lessons of the great depression

The year 2009 and the beginning of the Presidency of Barack Obama will mark the beginning of a new era in transatlantic relations or the old divisions persist, fed by the depth and severity of the economic crisis

Even if the European left just as the most liberal Democrats of America is worried about that Obama chose a much too centrist cabinet, the classical form of anti-Americanism will surely lose ground in Europe. The image of America in Europe has changed profoundly since the 4 November and diplomacy how Obama will probably confirm this change, at the beginning of the new mandate.

However, the Kingdom of transatlantic relations, as everywhere, it is not reasonable to expect too much of one man, even though it has exceptional qualities. In fact, fundamental problems remain and it is not excluded that others appear.

First, the style of Russia of Vladimir Putin's new and Dimitri Medvedev is brutal, the Soviet Union no longer exists; the common threat that "cemented" the Alliance until 1989 is no longer news. A new cold war is not an option.

Second, there is a permanent structural imbalance between the European vision of America, passionate and worried, and the American vision of Europe, slight interest dominated by an increasing indifference. During the cold war, Europe was the first line of Defense of the America. At the time of globalization, Asia, the Middle East and perhaps even Africa are far more important priorities for the United States.

Third, even if the Obama America welcomes, or even practice, multilateralism, the Americans are ready to accept the reality of a multipolar world. Even if they speak about it from the conceptual angle, its concrete meaning a world in which their country is that a "primus inter pares" has not yet effectively integrated the national psyche.

American internationalism is based on the idea of "exception", which gives the country a unique role and gives him a sense of mission.

Fourth, if us changes of style and content, Europe be ready to act when its transatlantic neighbours will seek his help Europeans traditionally tend to denounce American military adventurism, even if they are counting on the United States to protect.

Fifth, add a new point to these "old" issues: the potential impact of the financial crisis. Protectionism in the classic sense of the term is unlikely. We have learned the lessons of the great depression. However, public aid for the "national champions" may be also destabilizing for international cooperation that were barriers in the past. The temptation to "appease" the populations most affected by populist and selfish actions will increase as the crisis will worsen.

Paradoxically, ecological awareness of America which will discover a little late but with passion liability to survival of the planet could lead to a transatlantic race for the best ecological actor award.

Can gloser again and the possible subject of tension still: on nuclear disarmament at the best ways to deal with the Iran, the Russia and China. But the essential question is elsewhere. For Europe, the election of Barack Obama is a crucial test. Europe be in height and will it seize the opportunity offered by the American choice to prove itself and to the world that the Continent can exist as a power and that United player