Challenges facing the transatlantic relationship

In this Quick Take from Munich, Ian Bremmer examines the state of the transatlantic alliance as the 62nd Munich Security Conference concludes. He points to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech, which “received a standing ovation,” but cautions that European expectations remain low.

Ian focuses on the Ukraine war, noting the pressure on Kyiv and the risk of a US-Russia deal: “Are the Europeans going to hold together if the Americans cut a deal with the Russians by themselves? People are skeptical.”

He also raises concerns about Europe’s economic and political cohesion: “Europe is 27 countries and they’re institutionally hobbled from all acting together.”

Ian concludes that while leaders understand the problems, “they have not settled on the nature of a solution,” leaving the future of transatlantic cooperation uncertain as the US continues to dominate the alliance’s agenda.