Jamal_8551413-Transatlantic turmoil: How ideological values and strategic calculations helped shape and break the transatlantic alliance

Abstract

The transatlantic alliance is at a crossroads. For the first time we have a President of the United States, Donald Trump, who openly questioned whether the U.S., should help its allies in Europe. Trump has argued against the values-based relationship and instead sought to push for a more transactional understanding. This thesis asks, “how has the United States relationship with Europe changed with regards to the Transatlantic alliance?” While many scholars focus on Trump or a specific presidency, this thesis examined the shifting view of the American political class toward Europe through various administrations. This is done to compare grievances and examine how tensions over the course of several presidencies are connected. Several key findings came from this approach. First and foremost, these isolationist tendencies are part of a broader trend that supersedes certain administrations. This trend was furthered by each administration, though the nature of how it differed. George W. Bush’ unilateralist policy, disregard for international law and limitations on the U.S. put him at odds with many European allies. Obama, while being a multilateralist, still saw the U.S. as too entrenched and believed European allies as too dependent on the U.S. and pushed for Europe to be more independent. Trump was the natural evolution sharing both Bush Jr’s unilateralist policies, and Obama’s view of the U.S. being too entrenched in global affairs. Secondly, the alliance was largely built on a common set of values, however these no longer hold the alliance together. While in the past both parties were ideologically linked through capitalism and democracy, today, the ideological connection is overpowered by ideological differences regarding multilateralism and international law. Thirdly, the current view of Trump is a continuation of a long-standing trend of the American political class diverging from its European counterparts. Growing resentment was common in the administrations of Bush Jr. and Obama and only metastasized over time. Fourthly the isolationist tendencies of today are not a return to full isolationism of the pre-transatlantic alliance days, but rather a gradual retrenchment, with European security being a much lower priority for the U.S. than before. Finally, Europe is seen within the U.S. as more independent and capable, which comes with greater expectations and responsibility. The findings reflect that the alliance is not necessarily on the brink of collapse but undergoing a significant transition from one based on a common ideology (liberal democratic capitalism), identity (the nations of the “free world”), and values (human rights, democracy, liberalism) to one based on interests. Rather than an alliance built on solidarity, the future of the transatlantic alliance is far more transactional and based on short-term benefits.