Political Relations Between Germany and the United States During the Trump Presidency

Petrović, Miloš (2021) Political Relations Between Germany and the United States During the Trump Presidency. In: Europe in changes: The old continent at a new crossroads. Institute of International Politics and Economics, Belgrade; Faculty of Security Studies at the University of Belgrade, Belgrade, pp. 267-288. ISBN 978-86-7067-282-6

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Abstract

The focus of this research was the growingly challenging political relationship between Germany and the US during the presidency of Mr. Donald Trump. The first research aim is to examinethe evolution of the US- German partnership from the mid-20th century onwards and to depict the instrumental role of the United States in shaping Germany’s foreign policy. The second research aim is to consider which aspects of theircooperation were the most affected during the presidential term ofDonaldTrump. The author identifies several levels of political dissension between two sides during the Trump presidency: firstly, diverging perspectives on integrative processes and international organizations, secondly, discrepancies in the political narratives domain, and thirdly, disparities in the bilateral domain, including the geopolitical and trade distinctions. Through the historical approach, theauthor clarifiesthat German international political interests have beenstrategically embedded in the integration processes within the European Union and other international organizations. Realist theoretical basis is used to scrutinize the evolution of contemporary US-German political cooperation, including the sovereigntist and unilateral tendencies during the Trump administration.The author concludes that not only the US-German but also the US-EU strategic cooperation was significantly impaired during the Trump presidency. Although it might be too early to make predictions, President-Elect Joseph Biden has announced the need for restoring the transatlantic privileged relations, which would also reflect on Germany, whose foreign policy is deep-seated in international integrative processes.

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