Given recent focus on a supposed U.S. policy shift to the Pacific region, this research looks to Europe and the security cooperation organizations to understand if this new focus has come due to increased distance between the United States and European countries. The analysis intends to show that there is still a strong connection between the two sides of the Atlantic, and that the United States has many avenues through which to stay in touch with decisions made in European security organizations. Important background on the institutional development of the two case organizations creates a foundation to understand the analysis and conclusions. Through analysis of NATO and CSDP, it is clear that the United States has a strong ability to influence the civilian and military operations carried out by the European Union's supposedly independent defense institution.