The best way to future-proof the transatlantic partnership is to address immediate challenges in ways that also position both sides to cope with, and even thrive in, a dawning “Age of Disruption.”
The transatlantic partners need to lock in gains now before the next election cycle in the US and in Europe may create a less favorable environment for cooperation.
While there is little appetite on either side of the Atlantic for a revival of TTIP, both the EU and the US should work toward smaller agreements to enhance transatlantic trade cooperation in the long-term.
Transatlantic relations are close but could be closer, says Ben Rhodes, former foreign policy advisor to President Obama. What’s missing is greater alignment on China policy. And there’s also the danger of the US turning into an autocracy.
While the US and China battle for technological supremacy, the European Commission has been misunderstanding the nature of the struggle. Intervening in supply chains is the wrong approach.
While the center of economic gravity has already moved to Asia, Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine has reaffirmed Europe’s role as the center stage of international affairs.
For Olaf Scholz, the war in Ukraine underlines the urge to advance with EU enlargement and institutional reform. Emmanuel Macron is hesitant about both—and for once finds himself on the defensive of the European agenda.
EU trade officials might be up in arms about aspects of the US Inflation Reduction Act, but it offers the best opportunity for transatlantic climate cooperation in years.
The concept of feminist foreign policy is flawed and needs to be broadened. Fair foreign policy is an alternative approach that could be less polarizing and achieve better outcomes.
While Berlin has become more engaged in the region, it still has no clear strategy on how to approach it. Old principles guiding the Germany-China relationship are getting in the way.
A robust containment policy vis-à-vis Moscow is needed; the most important element of which is continued support for Ukraine. But a completely isolated Russia should not be the other aim.