Why we need a Transatlantic Renaissance
Written by Armin Petschner-Multari, Founder THE REPUBLIC
The Russian invasion of Ukraine highlights the vulnerabilities of the European continent and the dependency of European countries on the United States for security. However, it has also demonstrated the power of the Transatlantic partnership. One key takeaway from the current situation is the importance of recognizing the enduring significance of the Transatlantic partnership in an era marked by shifting global dynamics.
Since the end of the Cold War, the Transatlantic relationship has not always been easy. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the tenure of former U.S. President Donald Trump strained the once cordial relationship and drove some of its former European allies away from Washington. With the United States turning its focus to the Pacific, it seemed unlikely that Transatlantic cooperation would return to its former glory.
However, this changed dramatically in February of last year when a man fueled by nostalgia for the Soviet Union decided to invade Ukraine, triggering a process that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dubbed a turning point (Zeitenwende). Through a joint effort and a united foreign policy framework, the West as a collective has been able to keep Vladimir Putin in check and slowly but steadily wear down the Russian war machinery. This provides a blueprint for the future of the Transatlantic relationship, which is connected not only by mutual interests but also by shared values.
Europeans and Americans share common democratic principles rooted in individual liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. These values form the foundation of the Transatlantic partnership, creating a strong bond between like-minded political forces. By working together, they can uphold these principles, promote democratic governance, and confront authoritarian regimes that threaten global stability.
The current complex security landscape necessitates collaborative efforts to address emerging threats. Terrorism, cybersecurity, nuclear proliferation, and regional conflicts are just a few examples of the challenges that require joint action. The West, with its collective resources and expertise, can enhance security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint defense initiatives. By combining their strengths, they can effectively ensure the safety of their citizens. Paradoxically, Russian aggression has strengthened NATO and renewed the commitment of many European countries to allocate adequate resources to the alliance.
The economic dimension should not be overlooked either. The Transatlantic partnership has long been a pillar of economic prosperity. By bridging the world’s two largest economic blocs, Americans and Europeans can foster trade relations, encourage investment, and facilitate innovation. By promoting fair and open markets, reducing barriers, and negotiating comprehensive trade agreements, they can create opportunities for businesses, generate jobs, and strengthen economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Transatlantic partnership extends beyond any one leader or administration. It is a vital alliance that embodies shared values, addresses global challenges, and promotes prosperity and security. By recognizing the importance of collaboration, setting aside political differences, and working towards common goals, center-right politicians can strengthen this partnership and shape a more prosperous and secure future for both sides of the Atlantic. In a world that is increasingly interconnected and interdependent, their cooperation is more crucial than ever in advancing peace, democracy, and human rights on a global scale.
Therefore, it is absolutely crucial that we foster cooperation and renew a genuine interest in each other. Republicans in the United States and Christian Democrats in Europe need to bridge the gap that has widened in recent years. We need a renewed exchange between center-right political forces in the West.
During bleak moments like the present, when facing a geopolitical challenge comparable to the collapse of the Soviet Union, a strong, future-oriented Transatlantic relationship extended to like-minded allies such as Japan, Korea, and Australia is at the core of Europe’s foreign affairs. Seizing what some in Europe now refer to as the “Transatlantic moment” is paramount. Let’s get started.