Europe and America. ZEI Discussion Paper C254 2019

For over 70 years since the end of World War II, the US and Europe have been bound together in a unique and unprecedented relationship. While there have been many times of friction, there were never doubts regarding the core foundation of this relationship. It was common practice for all US presidents to emphasize the importance of European security and prosperity to America and affirm the common values between the two. Also, the US has shown its support at every step of European integration, viewing a united Europe as good for America. Two years into the Trump presidency, relations between the US and Europe are in disarray. Like no other American president before him, Donald Trump has undermined the credibility of the US in Europe and cast severe doubts on the reliability of America as an ally. He not only lumped the EU together with Russia and China and called it a “foe." He also repeatedly questioned US membership of NATO, if not the value of the organization as a whole. But not only that: Rhetoric has also led to policy shifts in a number of areas, which have alienated the transatlantic partners, if not brought them head-to-head