The Increasing Imbalance in US-Europe Relations and the Prospects for the EU's Strategic Autonomy
Trump's victory in November 2024 once again had a strong impact on the European Union.However,unlike when Trump won the election for the first time in 2016,there have been some disturbing development trends in US-Europe relations.The imbalance in relations between the US and Europe has become even more pronounced.Whether in important fields such as the economy,finance,science and technology,or the military,the gap between the European Union and the United States is widening.Meanwhile,Europe's dependence on the United States is also increasing.Especially since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis,it has formed an all-round dependence on the United States in terms of security,energy,markets,as well as capital and technology.The increasing imbalance in US-Europe relations has triggered anxiety in Europe,including concerns that Europe might become a"vassal"of the United States.During Trump's second term,Europe may be more inclined to cater to the United States and submit to its demands more often.However,under internal and external pressures,it may also accelerate the process of promoting strategic autonomy.Where the European Union will go will largely depend on the direction and intensity of policy adjustments during Trump's second term.
US-Europe relationsEuropean Unionstrategic autonomymajor power relations