Crisis in the transatlantic relationship: Weakened ties between Germany and the USA!

Crisis in the transatlantic relationship: Weakened ties between Germany and the USA!

On April 22, 2025, experts at the University of Freiburg will discuss the future of transatlantic relations. These relations between Germany and the USA have had a firm place since the founding of the Federal Republic, but there is currently a worrying distancing, influenced by the new US government. According to the University of Freiburg, which is organizing the discussion, transatlantic relations are based on common interests and mutual trust, but these have been increasingly weakened in recent years.

Geopolitical tensions have not diminished since Joe Biden's presidency. A central issue is the reaction to the war in Ukraine, which highlights the security policy dependence of the European allies on the USA. This is also observed by the Science and Politics Foundation (SWP), which states that support for Ukraine has played a central role in German-American relations since the Russian attack in February 2022. The Ukrainian conflict is just one aspect of a broader shift in transatlantic relations, with China emerging as a growing threat to the United States.

Security policy reorientation

The current situation is forcing Europe to redefine its security policy orientation. The task of recodifying common security policy interests could be taken into account through burden sharing. President Biden increasingly views international relations as a cost-benefit analysis. This means that Europe must act more actively to guarantee transatlantic security.

In addition to security policy issues, however, there are also tensions, particularly in the area of ​​industrial policy. The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which seeks a green transition in the American economy, poses challenges that are putting pressure on European competitors. This could lead to further conflict between the US and the EU, whose relations have traditionally been based on a coordinated strategy for peace and stability.

Transatlantic trust and historical challenges

Trust between transatlantic partners has suffered, particularly since Donald Trump's term in office, which was marked by a move away from friendly rhetoric. These developments have increased distrust of the United States. The experiences of the post-war order are crucial for today's considerations. Post-war times often saw transitions and realignments that brought both profound changes and new tensions.

Overall, restoring trust remains a challenge complicated by valid historical experiences, particularly with regard to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the impact of that history on Putin. The transition phases, during which social and political negotiations repeatedly take place, are reminiscent of the reactions to the wars of the last decades.

The complexity of transatlantic relations is also reflected in the diverse social and cultural ties between Germany, the USA and Canada. These relationships are based on shared values ​​and a long cultural exchange. Programs for students, scientists and artists, which have existed since the 1950s, promote collaboration and bring nations closer together. The unification of democratic states is crucial to creating a stable global order, especially during times of crisis.

It remains to be seen whether transatlantic relations will undergo a turnaround or whether the current trend of estrangement will continue. The upcoming discussions in Freiburg will certainly provide valuable insights into the current status and prospects of these important relationships.

uni-freiburg.de reports that...

swp-berlin.org highlights that...

auswaertiges-amt.de emphasizes that...