Introduction

Abstract

This book lies at the intersection of two strands of research that only tangentially have crossed one another so far: the study of transatlantic relationships, their nature, sources and consequences on the one hand and the study of public support for the use of force in foreign policy on the other.¹ These two strands of research are more closely related than is usually assumed, and we claim in this book that it is impossible to understand the one without considering the other. In this chapter, we briefly present our argument about why these two issues — the state and nature of transatlantic relations and attitudes toward the use of force — stay together — and why the perspective we adopt to study them — that of public opinion — matters. By combining these two issues, we intend to contribute to two important theoretical and political debates.