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Scandal in the White House: Trump, Zelensky and the future of EU security!
On April 16, 2025, Prof. Gunther Hellmann from the University of Frankfurt will analyze the effects of Trump's foreign policy on Europe and EU defense.
Scandal in the White House: Trump, Zelensky and the future of EU security!
The dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump caused a stir in the White House at the end of February. Professor Gunther Hellmann from Goethe University sees this incident as an expression of the increasing move away from multilateralism under Trump. In an interview, he emphasized that Trump is pursuing a bilateral foreign policy that is primarily aimed at the advantage of a single side, which puts a heavy strain on the role of the EU and transatlantic relations.
Hellmann emphasizes that Europeans are forced to do more for their own defense. This was particularly clear in the mental shift that can be observed in Germany: There is a growing awareness of security policy leadership tasks within the European Union. The Ukraine conflict has also led to political science topics becoming more present in public discourse. Hellmann calls for a differentiated discussion of security and defense policy in the media in order to adequately inform the public.
Growing challenges in US politics
In the midst of all these developments, the 2024 US elections are also the focus of consideration. Marco Overhaus and Johannes Thimm have published a study that sheds light on the effects of a potentially illiberal foreign policy under Trump. This policy is seen as a potential threat to democratic structures in the United States.
The state of media trust is also viewed critically. Helen Lewis notes the dramatic loss of that trust, as reports from United To Protect Democracy warn of the dangers of an authoritarian presidency. It's worth noting that Trump has already taken actions that could be interpreted as an aggressive presidency, putting Democrats at additional risk.
Transatlantic relations under pressure
Transatlantic relations are on a dangerous trajectory, especially since Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022. The US plays an irreplaceable role in coordinating support efforts for Ukraine, and President Biden is seeking a return to a more international foreign policy that was neglected under Trump. This return to multilateral organizations could be crucial for Europe to create a stable framework for cooperation.
At the same time, there is an area of tension between the USA and Europe regarding domestic political challenges. The challenges posed by the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are putting pressure on European competitors. The law aims to achieve a green transition in the US economy and support the Paris climate goals, which could cause problems in international competition.
Overall, the situation is precarious. Although the 2022 midterm elections had a stabilizing effect, the ideological differences between the two major US parties remain a source of potential uncertainty for transatlantic relations, particularly with regard to the future of foreign policy.