Leaderless

Last night’s debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was a spectacle that left me deeply unsettled about the future of our key ally, the United States, on the international stage.

As someone who has always viewed the transatlantic alliance as a cornerstone of global stability, the performance of both candidates was a reminder that we, as a European Union, must step up our actions and prepare for a future where we cannot solely rely on U.S. leadership.

The debate was supposed to be an opportunity for both candidates to present their vision for America’s future. Instead, it exposed significant weaknesses in the current and potential leadership of the United States.

President Biden is too old to lead, that was made clear yesterday. Despite his administrations’ achievements (especially vis a vis ‘Made in America’) are not enough to keep him in the President’s seat.

On the other hand, former President Trump’s aggressive rhetoric did little to reassure anyone that he would provide the steady hand needed to guide international relations succesfully.

As Europeans, we have long benefited from a strong and reliable partnership with the United States. This alliance has been the bedrock of our collective security and prosperity. However, the debate highlighted a disturbing reality: America’s political landscape is deeply polarised, its leadership is increasingly inward-looking and the geriatric duo on stage can not provide any confidence for us. Additionally, this inward focus undermines the collaborative spirit necessary to tackle global issues like climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical instability.

Biden’s subdued performance and Trump’s bombastic promises both signal a potential retreat from the cooperative internationalism that has been a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy. This retreat is not just an American problem; it is a global one, and it particularly affects us in Europe. We must recognise this as a last warning: the European Union can no longer afford to be complacent. We need to take proactive steps to strengthen our own political, economic, and military capabilities.

Firstly, the EU must accelerate efforts to build a more integrated and cohesive foreign policy. This means not only aligning our diplomatic stances but also investing in a unified defense strategy alongside NATO.

Secondly, our economic policies should aim at greater resilience and independence. The COVID-19 pandemic has already taught us the risks of over-reliance on global supply chains. We should use this lesson to diversify our trade relationships and support strategic industries within Europe.

Lastly, we must lead by example in addressing global challenges. Whether it’s combating climate change, advocating for human rights, or pushing for digital transformation, Europe still has the potential to set standards and influence global norms. Our window opportunity is closing however. Now we need a bold and united front, backed by concrete actions and substantial investments.

We cannot wait for the U.S. to regain its footing. It is time for Europe to step up, take charge, and ensure that our values and interests are defended on the world stage. The next five years are crucial, and the time to act is now.