In the first month of its second term, the Bush administration has found a new watchword for US foreign policy: "transformational diplomacy".

To sceptical ears, the phrase may sound like an Orwellian repackaging of the White House agenda - a combination of the seemingly incompatible, much like the "compassionate conservatism" long prized by President George W. Bush. But as he heads to Europe this weekend, the catchphrase bandied about in recent weeks by Condoleezza Rice, the new secretary of state, will present a very real test for the president.