US Briefings: Ties that Bind or Unwind? Transatlantic interdependence and Trump 2.0

For decades, globalization and economic liberalization have shaped international relations. However, the deep integration of global economic, financial, security and digital infrastructures has increasingly revealed itself as a source of vulnerability. From the supply chain shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic to the security and energy crises triggered by Russia’s war against Ukraine – and more recently, the rise of the tech right and the right wing radicalization of social media platforms– these interconnected global networks pose growing risks for Europe.

While the United States has hitherto acted as a trusted security guarantor, economic partner, and political ally for Europe, the Trump administration’s shift toward authoritarianism and pursuit of policies that undermine the rules-based international order test the durability of the transatlantic relationship. Particularly, the concept of weaponized interdependence – the strategic use of economic, financial, technological, and security dependencies to advance national interests – is a growing concern for European states as they renegotiate US relations.

In this US Briefing, we will address critical questions facing European and German policymakers: What steps can the EU take to insulate itself from the worst effects of Trump's policies? What points of leverage does the EU have to counterbalance Trump's tariffs? What strategic goals is the U.S. administration pursuing vis-a-vis Europe? And most importantly, how might the US further weaponize interdependence moving forward? 

Abraham Newman , professor in the School of Foreign Service and Government Departments at Georgetown University and Director of the BMW Center for German and European Studies, draws on his book "Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy" to provide valuable insights into navigating this complex landscape, where economic, security and technological networks have become both an asset and a vulnerability.

With:

• Abraham Newman, political scientist and professor in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and Government Department, Georgetown University. 

Moderation: Teresa Eder, Program Director Foreign and Security Policy, Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC
 

After the interview, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A session.

Times: 10:00-11:00 am Eastern Daylight Time | 4:00-5:00 pm Central European Summer Time

Contact: 
Deitra Myers
Division European Union and North America
E myers@boell.de

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