Whither transatlantic security? Values, interests and the future of US - European relations

Tectonic shifts are underway in world affairs, global changes include the rise of Asia and challenges to the international rules-based order, not least given the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Often, these changes, and the actions of revanchist powers, are referred to as the 'return of geopolitics'. There are also changes within the West, the US, and Europe, and transatlantic relations. The momentum of EU integration and NATO expansion is more complicated than at the turn of the millennium. Brexit poses a fundamental challenge to European integration. NATO has had to return its focus to deterrence and collective defence in Europe, a shift from outof- area operations. However, it is unclear to what extent its European members share the same threat assessment. In the US, it often seems that the actions and rhetoric of the administration are not always in harmony. This report examines the direction of transatlantic relations. However, their direction confronts issues that impact the fundamentals of the relationship between the US and Europe, making it necessary to address the question: How can transatlantic relations be understood?