Core values of Atlanticism: an important binding fabric of the concept or just a consequence of its functionality?

Liberal-democratic values have played a crucial role in shaping the Atlantic community, serving as a core foundation of “Western societies”, alongside free market economy principles that have influenced policies and trends on both sides of the Atlantic. This research investigates the significance of these liberal-democratic values and market-driven factors throughout the history of the transatlantic community and today, seeking to grasp the complexity of the subject through the lens of Verweij’s cultural theory of international relations. It examines how liberal-democratic values interact with and shape their environments, including their impact on the spread of US influence in Europe and vice versa. Additionally, it explores the role of classical market economy concepts, where common values are often a by-product of their functionality. The research employs both desk and empirical research methodologies, with the latter involving focus group discussions. According to Verweij’s cultural biases, the study found a predominance of hierarchist perspectives, the presence of egalitarian views, and a noticeable increase in fatalist attitudes. The findings suggest that liberal-democratic values currently outweigh market-driven factors; however, there are concerning trends indicating a gradual erosion of these values. Additionally, a rise in populism within political discourse is observed, which threatens solidarity within the Atlantic community and poses a challenge to the long-term sustainability of its normative framework.