Atlanticism is a word derived from the noun "Atlantic", and the suffix "-ism". It is defined as the belief in close cooperation and common interests between the United States and Europe, particularly in terms of security and economic matters. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Atlanticism" is /ətˈlæntɪsɪzəm/, with the primary stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word follows the traditional English spelling rules for the sounds of the individual letters.
Atlanticism refers to a political ideology or foreign policy approach that focuses on fostering strong diplomatic, economic, and military ties between the countries situated on the western side of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly between Europe and North America. It emphasizes the importance of transatlantic cooperation and unity in addressing global issues, maintaining security alliances, and promoting shared democratic values.
The term originated during the Cold War as a response to the emerging divide between the United States and the Soviet Union. It gained prominence with the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949, which served as a military alliance to protect the member states against Soviet aggression. Atlanticism served as a rallying point for countries that sought to align themselves with the United States and embrace Western liberal democratic values.
In broader terms, Atlanticism signifies the belief in the intrinsic bond between Europe and North America, encompassing not only military cooperation but also economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared diplomatic efforts. Proponents of Atlanticism argue that transatlantic unity and cooperation are essential for addressing global challenges and advancing common interests, such as promoting human rights, counterterrorism measures, trade agreements, and environmental agreements.
However, Atlanticism has also been subject to criticism. Some view it as an outdated paradigm that fails to adapt to the changing dynamics of the international system, including the rise of emerging powers and shifts in global economic and political influence. Others argue that excessive Atlanticism can undermine national sovereignty and promote a disproportionate reliance on the United States, potentially limiting Europe's ability to pursue an independent foreign policy.
The word "atlanticism" was derived from the noun "Atlantic" and the suffix "-ism".
The noun "Atlantic" stems from the Latin word "Atlanticus", which refers to the Atlas Mountains in Northwest Africa. The mountains were named after the mythological figure Atlas, who held up the heavens.
During the Middle Ages, the term "Atlantic" began to be associated with the vast ocean to the west of Europe. This connection became more prominent during the Age of Exploration when European sailors started venturing across the Atlantic Ocean to discover new lands and establish colonial territories.
The suffix "-ism" is added to the word "Atlantic" to form "atlanticism". The suffix "-ism" is commonly used to denote a belief system, ideology, or movement.