The next US president should forget the League of Democracies

Expectations of a transatlantic honeymoon after the US presidential election are absurdly high. Most Europeans are enjoying the giddy delights of Obamamania, while also thinking that John McCain would do a lot better than the despised George W Bush. Few Europeans have given much thought to the proposed League of Democracies, floated by McCain and senior advisers to Barack Obama. Their proposal is that a club of democratic states should play a significant role in world affairs and help to spread democracy. The Europeans should pay attention, since this proposal could create serious transatlantic stresses and strains.

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