Trade disputes and differences over how to deal with Russia and troublemaking states like Iran appear to be symptomatic of greater differences in agendas and interests between the formerly close allies.

With the Cold War over, some Germans see a major shift in priorities leading to loosening of bonds between their country and the United States. "NATO and the alliance with the United States no longer have the same influence on German grand strategy. Germany will remain in the alliance, but European integration—further development of the EU and close cooperation with France—is increasingly important," wrote former chancellor Helmut Schmidt in a recent issue of Foreign Affairs.

"The United States must understand that in the next century Germany will not automatically take its side in disputes between Washington and Paris," he continued. "Germany's vital interest dictates that it not become isolated or insulated from its European neighbors, and France is the most important."

As the United States expands trading and commercial ties with Asia and Latin America, its political leaders seem disinterested in Europe's strategic value. This is reflected in the number of troops stationed in Germany. Where they once numbered 350,000, there are now fewer than 100,000, with additional cuts likely. (Sources: Foreign Affairs, The Washington Post.)