Governments which consider themselves kindred spirits with the world's oldest democracy find themselves at odds with their ally on a range of issues, including global warming, missile defense and North Korea. Proud nations with long histories fear their influence with the world's remaining superpower is waning under a new president will little first-hand experience in Europe.
China needs cutting down to size.
The team, led by Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, meets NATO envoys here Tuesday and then travels to London in the afternoon. They will also visit France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Italy and Poland. However, many Europeans believe the mission is designed to sell a policy rather than forge one in consultations with allies. Many European officials speak highly of Bush's foreign policy team, especially Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice. However, some commentators believe the White House has yet to find the formula for pulling together talented personalities into a coherent team.