Why US allies in Europe and Asia are ‘de-risking’ from Trump
Europe is urgently seeking greater independence from the U.S. in response to the Trump administration's policies. Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next leader, has declared strengthening Europe's independence as his "absolute priority," even suggesting the possibility of an independent European defense capability. This sentiment is fueled by concerns over transatlantic relations and a desire for strategic autonomy, particularly in light of recent tensions between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky.
European leaders, along with Canada, have pledged to back Ukraine and increase defense spending, signaling a clear divergence from the U.S. approach. While America's transpacific allies have been more subdued in their criticism and expect preferential treatment in defense and trade deals, the Trump administration's engagement with rivals like Russia and its transactional foreign policy are pushing both European and Asian allies to explore closer ties and collective bargaining strategies to mitigate risks.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Europe is urgently seeking greater independence from the U.S. in response to the Trump administration's policies. Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next leader, has declared strengthening Europe's independence as his "absolute priority," even suggesting the possibility of an independent European defense capability. This sentiment is fueled by concerns over transatlantic relations and a desire for strategic autonomy, particularly in light of recent tensions between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky.
European leaders, along with Canada, have pledged to back Ukraine and increase defense spending, signaling a clear divergence from the U.S. approach. While America's transpacific allies have been more subdued in their criticism and expect preferential treatment in defense and trade deals, the Trump administration's engagement with rivals like Russia and its transactional foreign policy are pushing both European and Asian allies to explore closer ties and collective bargaining strategies to mitigate risks.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
