Similarities and Differences between American andEuropean Values. Different cultures have different valuesand reconciling these values is one of the most frustratingelements of foreign policy. Understanding and evaluating values isextremely important when it comes to influencing the conduct of anations affairs. Even amongst cultures that share the majority oftheir values such as the United States and the countries ofWestern Europe there may be differences of opinion regarding therelative importance of particular values. In November 2011 thePew Research Center conducted a poll based on American and WesternEuropean values.