The Implications of the US Presidential Election for Transatlantic Relations

Transatlantic relations might not rank high among the priorities of the American electorate. Research shows that for many Americans other foreign and security policy issues, like terrorism and the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, have much more salience. This picture is further complicated by important partisan differences on major issues of concern to America’s European allies, including support for Ukraine and limiting the power and influence of Russia. The presidential campaigns of Vice President Harris and former President Trump reflect these differences. While their campaign rhetoric - and that of Democratic and Republican candidates for House and Senate seats - is not necessarily a reliable predictor of the next Administration’s specific policies and actions, the sometimes stark differences in their broad approaches should not be underestimated.
This FIIA seminar zeroes in on the implications of the US elections on transatlantic relations and foreign policy. How might the approaches of a prospective Harris versus Trump administration vis-à-vis Europe differ? What would their foreign policy priorities be with respect to Europe and more globally? How should European partners, including Finland, prepare for a Harris or Trump term?
Programme:
Speaker: Leo Michel, Non-Resident Fellow, FIIA
Comments: Ville Sinkkonen, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA
Chair: Charly Salonius-Pasternak, Leading Researcher, FIIA