the germans have always been a reluctant ally. you don't build allies through foreign occupation; ask the iraqis. so, the americans had to know it was a matter of time, after reunification, before the germans reasserted themselves. they couldn't have been delusional enough to think otherwise. it's just too obvious.

so, it always followed that the americans would eventually have to relinquish some sovereignty to a more assertive europe.

but, not the uk.

the uk is a part of the empire.