Too often, the idea seemed to be that the cost of being part of Europe was being less like Britain. So after years of fighting to defend Europe against attacks from the Eurosceptic right, it would be fatal to retreat into the same arguments and begin the battle anew.
The time has come - and must come - for multilateral conversations about a secure peace in all of Europe.
America has its roots in a tradition of risk-taking pioneers. In more conservative Europe, if you fail in business or actually end up going to jail for it, you're finished as a businessman for good.
Modern instruments were designed to throw sound all in one direction.
In America the cohesion was a matter of choice and will. But in Europe it was organic.