The Atlantic Alliance in the Long 20th Century by Alessandra Bitumi — Summary & Review

Let’s face it: the Atlantic Alliance—basically the U.S. and Western Europe’s long-running, sometimes tense, sometimes cozy partnership—has been the backbone of global politics for most of the 20th century. Alessandra Bitumi’s "The Atlantic Alliance in the Long 20th Century" doesn’t just rehash the usual history lessons about NATO or the EU. Instead, it pulls back the curtain on the messy, complicated dance between Atlanticism and European integration, revealing a story full of power struggles, shared ideals, and unexpected fractures.

Bitumi starts by introducing "Atlantica," a term she uses to describe the political and security community that emerged after World War II. This wasn’t just about defense or treaties; it was the birth of a new order where democracy, deregulated capitalism, and cosmopolitan internationalism were the holy trinity holding the alliance together. Think of it as a three-legged stool—wobbly but functional—propped up by American hegemony and European cooperation.

But here’s the kicker: this alliance was never just a smooth ride. Bitumi digs into the tension between the U.S. and Europe, not just as allies but as entities with their own identities and ambitions. While America wielded its muscle—military, economic, cultural—Europe was busy knitting itself closer together, trying to build the European Union. Were these projects two sides of the same coin or clashing visions? Bitumi doesn’t sugarcoat it; they were both cooperative and competitive, sometimes locking horns over trade, security policies, and political influence.

What makes Bitumi’s take refreshing is her refusal to treat the Atlantic Alliance as a static, harmonious bloc. Instead, she uses a transnational approach that looks beyond borders and traditional narratives. She traces how identity and alterity—the sense of ‘us’ versus ‘them’—have shaped Euro-American relations since colonial times. This isn’t just about governments signing agreements; it’s about cultures, economic models, and political ideals rubbing up against each other, sometimes sparking friction.

The book also doesn’t shy away from the messy aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, which Bitumi sees as a major stress test for the alliance’s foundational pillars. Democracy? Shaken by populist waves and political disillusionment. Deregulated capitalism? Exposed as fragile and prone to crisis. Cosmopolitan internationalism? Questioned as nationalism and protectionism creep back in. The cracks that appeared then continue to challenge the unity and future trajectory of the Atlantic Alliance.

Bitumi’s analysis is comprehensive, covering economic, political, security, and cultural dimensions. She doesn’t just focus on high politics but also explores how these broad trends affect the everyday reality of transatlantic relations. The book’s global context reminds us that this alliance isn’t an isolated bubble but part of a wider world stage, influenced by decolonization, the Cold War, globalization, and shifting power dynamics.

All told, "The Atlantic Alliance in the Long 20th Century" is a nuanced, layered look at a relationship that’s often oversimplified. It’s not just about treaties or military commitments; it’s about competing visions for democracy, capitalism, and international cooperation. Bitumi challenges readers to rethink the alliance not as a given but as a fragile, evolving project that’s constantly tested by history’s curveballs.

That said, the book can be a bit dense, especially if you’re not already familiar with 20th-century history or political theory. The transnational approach, while insightful, demands some patience and background knowledge. Also, being published in 2026 means it stops short of the most recent twists in transatlantic relations, like the fallout from the pandemic or the latest geopolitical shifts.

Still, if you want a clear-eyed, no-nonsense guide to why the Atlantic Alliance matters, how it came to be, and what might be next, Bitumi’s book is a solid, thought-provoking read.