Transatlantic Relations - Definition

Definition

Transatlantic relations can refer to relations between individual states or to relations between groups of states or international organizations with other groups or with states, or within one group. For example:
Within a group:

• Intra-NATO relations

e.g. Canada–NATO relations

Between groups:

• EU - North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) relations
• European Free Trade Area (EFTA) - NAFTA relations
• Transatlantic Free Trade Area (theoretical)
• CARIFORUM - European Commission (Economic Partnership Agreements)

Between a group and a state:

• Canada–European Union relations
• United States–European Union relations
• Canada - EFTA Free Trade Agreement

Between states:

• Germany–United States relations
• Canada–France relations, etc.

See also: Special Relationship and North Atlantic triangle

By language and culture

• Commonwealth of Nations
• Community of Portuguese Language Countries
• Dutch Union
• La Francophonie
• Latin Union

The boundaries of which states are part of Transatlantic relations depends on the context. The term may be used as a euphemism to a specific bilateral relationship, for example, Anglo-American relations. The boundary could be drawn so as only to refer member states of the EU plus the US, when discussing Euro-American relations. In other circumstances it may include Canada, or non-EU countries in Europe. The term may also be used in the context of the wider Atlantic world including Africa and Latin America.