Articles

Canada’s Relations with the United States under Donald Trump

Elbows Up, Elbows Down

Canada faces a historic test: Following Trump’s re-election, tensions with the United States are intensifying, and Prime Minister Carney is forging new alliances in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. How will Canada succeed in balancing economic independence with geopolitical security? And what consequences will this shift have for the country’s future?

Editorial of the issue: “America First – Again”

The 2024 US elections have had a lasting impact on the security policy debate in Europe. One year on, it is evident that Trump’s foreign policy remains difficult to predict and is often transactional and unilateral in nature. In this edition, we examine the responses of various states – from Canada and Mexico to Israel, the Gulf states, and Vietnam. What patterns can be identified, and what consequences arise from them for Germany and Europe?

Exploring the Impact of Trump’s Protectionism on African Markets

From Preferential Trade to Tariffs

The end of AGOA and new US tariffs mark a turning point for African markets: Amid risks, new dependencies, and opportunities for partnerships with the EU and China, African states must realign their trade strategies. How are the affected countries responding to the changing rules of the game? What prospects are emerging for Africa’s economy after the expiry of AGOA?

How Mexico’s President Is Dealing with the New US Policy

The Trump Whisperer

Donald Trump is putting Mexico under pressure – with tariffs, threats, and demands. President Sheinbaum responds calmly, yet her room for manoeuvre is narrow. She relies on pragmatic diplomacy to avoid escalation while firmly asserting national sovereignty. Between economic dependence and political self-determination, Mexico must navigate a risky balancing act. Can this strategy truly safeguard its interests without jeopardising relations with its powerful northern neighbour?

Israel’s View of Trump 2.0

Backing with Side Effects

Although the US is significantly expanding its military support for Israel, the growing dominance of unilateral actions suggests that the previous balance between joint strategic planning and national interest-driven policies is disappearing, which could permanently change the regional security architecture. Can a reliable alliance between the US and Israel continue to exist under these conditions?

The First Year of Trump’s Second Term from the Gulf Perspective

Honeymoon and Black Eyes

After a promising start to US-Gulf relations under President Trump, security setbacks soon followed. Military escalations and diverging strategic priorities raise questions about the resilience of personal networks. What consequences will this have for the region’s stability?

The Impact of US Policy on Global Health

When All Concerns Are Trumped

The global health architecture is undergoing a fundamental transformation that will decide whether stability and security can be preserved. With the United States withdrawing from key institutions, decades of progress are at risk, and other nations are forced to step forward. What future awaits global health policy when long-cherished certainties vanish? Could this be the moment for a reset of the international health architecture?

US–Taiwan Relations under Trump 2.0

Return to Strategic Ambiguity

For Donald Trump, the United States is no longer a protective power but an insurance company – and Taiwan is expected to pay the premium. This forces the island republic into a precarious balancing act between military build-up and the sell-off of key technologies. When the most important ally becomes unreliable, new strategies are needed. Discover how Taiwan is attempting to break free from its one-sided dependence – and why its gaze may increasingly turn towards Europe.

Vietnam’s Relations with the United States under Trump 2.0

A Balancing Act between Closeness and Independence

As Washington halts aid programmes addressing war legacies such as “Agent Orange” and raises tariffs, Hanoi is rolling out the red carpet for the Trump family’s private ventures. With the fast-tracking approval for a luxury golf resort, Vietnam seeks to mitigate tensions and avert further damage. But can this blend of geopolitics and personal favours truly secure the future of bilateral relations?

Editorial of the issue „Development Cooperation – Global Trends and Lessons for Germany"

Global power shifts require a clear course for a more strategic European development policy.