No Better Friend?: The United States and Germany Since 1945

The German-American relationship is the decisive transatlantic dynamic of our time. Long seen as one of the most stable connections between Europe and America thanks to its well-defined Cold War structure and hierarchy, relations between Washington and Berlin have become much more volatile in the twenty-first century and are playing an increasingly pivotal role in determining the degree to which Europe and the United States will be able to shape a rapidly changing world order. Stabilising this uniquely complicated relationship will be no easy feat. At times more closely aligned politically, and more intertwined economically, than any other transatlantic pair, since the end of the Cold War these republics have seen their relations characterised by frequent diplomatic, cultural and philosophical clashes and misunderstandings, and a trail of disappointed expectations. Peter Sparding examines the long history between the two countries and their peoples; the narratives and perceptions harboured by each nation concerning the other; and the evolution of diplomatic, economic and security ties. Appraising the complicated interplay between Germany and the United States vis--vis a rising China, and the domestic challenges facing both countries, his book offers an outlook on how this all-important relationship might function going forward.

About the Author :
Peter Sparding is the Senior Vice President and Director of Policy at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) in Washington, DC. He has written about and analysed US-Germany relations and transatlantic economic and foreign policy ties for two decades. He has been a fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States and has lived, worked and studied in Washington, DC, Berlin, Copenhagen and Kansas City.

Review :
‘One of the best and most readable books of this nature, and one of the few to cover the Trump presidency and Ukraine War. Sparding does an excellent job emphasising the volatility of the relationship. A natural writer, ambitious and convincing.’ '[An] engaging, beautifully written history of the pivotal relationship between the United States and Germany.' 'Connects the politics, economics and diplomacy of the post-'45 era to the post-Zeitenwende era of foreign policy debate with skill, precision, and good judgment.' ‘A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the relationship between the United States and Germany, and why that relationship matters. Sparding, a German-American, is an ideal interpreter of this consequential alliance.’ ‘A timely, well-written and profoundly insightful book on the US’s other “Special Relationship”, which goes back much further and deeper than the title suggests.’ ‘An excellent contribution and an important update, particularly valuable compared with other authors who try to “explain” Germany. This engaging book could not be more timely. A delight to read.’ ‘Peter Sparding has a deep knowledge of Germany and the United States but also critical distance from both countries. He has produced a history of the relationship between the two countries that goes beyond the usual Atlanticist platitudes.’ ‘Peter Sparding offers an erudite and intelligent assessment of the friendship from which there is “no escape” (Fritz Stern). This indispensable book fills a real gap in the literature on the US–German relationship.’ ‘A timely, richly researched and beautifully written guide to the US–German relationship, moving through history, culture, economics and foreign policy. Beyond the conflicts and contradictions, No Better Friend also demonstrates the enduring ties and warmth of affinity between these two very different countries.’