Germany’s cultural-historical traumas run deep. In many ways, the country continues to define itself against the past rather than position itself for the future. It needs to prepare itself for the many challenges ahead.

US voters flipped the script of the midterms, to Europe’s relief, but Donald Trump’s likely return to the campaign trail will fray transatlantic nerves again. US domestic dynamics are likely to put more pressure on Europeans to shoulder greater burdens for Ukraine and get tougher on China.

The best way to strengthen 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.”

Relations between the United States and Europe are at an historic juncture. The US elections in November will be decisive in determining whether the transatlantic partnership will be affirmed and tuned to new challenges or will fracture and collapse.