Europe’s Future Between the United States and China

“This requires more effort – also from Germany”

In the debate over new relations between the United States and Europe one element should not be overlooked: China. So says political scientist Jan Techau from The German Marshall Fund of the United States, speaking with Ellen Hasenkamp.

Mr. Techau, Europe wants to be more independent from the United States. But how does it look the other way around? Can America go without Europe?

Not really. But this depends on one question: does America want to stay a force for order? If the answer is yes, then it needs to offer a credible security guarantee for Europe. Trump has a different opinion though: he believes in the greatness of America, even without allies.

But Europe has lost its former strategic role, right?

Today, Asia is the central market for questions of order in the world. Europeans are moving down the priority list. Nevertheless, they are the most important trade partner for the Americans, and their best allies. In addition, in this framework Russia’s role is defined inside Europe.