Checks and balances balance the power of the government
In the most friendly and conciliatory manner
Political authority grants members of a government the right to rule over citizens using coercion if necessary (i.e., political legitimacy), while imposing an obligation for the citizens to obey government orders (i.e., political obligation).
Hoped that helped:)
Answer:
As much as i know they weren't pursuing a closer relation with them, as they were de-facto enemies in the Cold war (1947-1991)