While I agree with you that Pfaff's article points out some important flaws in the American rhertoric of global democratization, I also think it's important to note how he links current American policies with those of Wilson's era. Foreign policy is still primarily concerned with the expansion of American democratic ideals in an attempt to attain "democratic peace." The connection that I really saw between the two articles was, however, the point both authors make about the connection between current practices and historical ones. Stern points out that many countries are beginning to examine conduct and policy in retrospective terms, to gain a better understanding of present political climates. Certainly there are some distinct differences in ways that European nation-states deal with each other now and their historical relationships, especially what which Stern points out in terms of war. Countries which were once constantly in conflict with each other now share a common currency and a common economic investment. That not only changes their dealings with each other but with the US as well. The formation of the EU is perhaps one of the most concrete steps seen thus far in attempting to challenge American's hegemonic positioning.