In a discussion entitled \Trans-Atlantic Relations: A Norwegian Perspective,"" Norwegian Ambassador to the United States Knut Vollebaek spoke on U.S. and European foreign relations since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks Tuesday in Ingraham Hall.
Vollebaek said because Norway is not a member of the European Union, the country can give a neutral outlook on the changes on U.S.-European foreign relations.
While Vollebaek said there are not necessarily problems between the United States and Europe, there is a difference in positions.
""The kind of 'conflict,' if you call it that, it's kind of big brother, small brother,"" he said. ""It's a family feud.""
After Vollebaek spoke, the audience was given a chance to ask questions on the topic. Most questions dealt with the United States' role as a military leader.
One audience member asked why the United States is criticized for leading other countries in military force.
In response, Vollebaek said European countries, like Norway, need to prove to the United States that they can provide help and act multilaterally, with help from NATO.
""The attack of Sept. 11 was considered an attack on all [NATO] members,"" he said. ""Needless to say, being a military superpower is a thankless job.""
Vollebaek assured the audience that Norway was ""on board"" for a short-term military force against terrorism.
According to him, the United States and Europe view the terrorist attacks in different ways.
""Europe is focused on long term perspectives while the U.S. is focused on the immediate military threat,"" he said.
These different views, Vollebaek said, were ""mutually reinforcing"" and should not prevent the United States and Europe from using the same tactics to stop terrorism.
""Both sides of the Atlantic need to pull together to get the U.S. and Europe to pursue the same strategy,"" he said.
Another difference, Vollebaek said, was the United States' focus on the conflict with Iraq. He said although Europe agrees Saddam Hussein is dangerous, we should not necessarily target Iraq in the War on Terrorism.
The speech was sponsored by the European Studies Alliance, the International Institute and the Scandinavian Studies Department.
