Geopolitics And Shifting US Views On The Transatlantic Relationship

Today's Deep Dive is 1,239 words and an 8-minute read.

Joe Biden wrapped up what is likely his final trip to Europe as president of the United States last week. On the agenda was supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia, containing the Middle East conflict, securing the Indo-Pacific, bolstering trade, and making democracies more resilient. The visit was in many ways a celebration of the end of an era – the last Atlanticist American president.

The transatlantic relationship has been a foundational element in post-World War II geopolitics. The underpinnings, however, have eroded over time as challenges to peace and security shifted away from Europe to other corners of the world and American expectations for the partnership increasingly went unmet. Looking ahead, there are opportunities to renew and strengthen the partnership, and great risks if a shared path forward is not found.