Transatlantic Transitions: Defence & Statecraft Forum 2024

2024 is a year of political transition for Europe and the United States (US). The European Parliament and US Presidential elections have the potential to shake-up the transatlantic relationship, all at a time when the EU and NATO continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The European Parliament elections are of critical importance for the EU, as any new legislature has a vital say in how the Union’s budget and financial resources are used. What is more, the selection of a new European Commission will define how the EU approaches the war on Ukraine, US-China rivalry and regional conflicts in the coming years. In the United States, the presidential elections are being framed in terms of America’s vital security interests. Some candidates insist on the continued importance of maintaining support for Ukraine and bolstering the NATO alliance, whereas others emphasise the need for a laser focus on China and a rebalancing of US alliances. In short, the next few months can be seen as a pivotal moment in the direction, solidity and unity of the transatlantic relationship.

Seeking to better understand the dynamics at play in the political transition in Europe and the United States, the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy (CSDS) dedicated its third “Defence & Statecraft Forum” to bringing together leading experts from across the Euro-Atlantic region for an online discussion. Two panels each focused on the political transition in Europe and the United States and speakers addressed the following questions:

• In what ways will the political transition in Europe and the United States affect the direction and nature of transatlantic relations?
• Can we expect a degree of continuity during this year’s transatlantic political transition? If so, what are the benefits and costs of a “business as usual” approach?
• How could the political transitions in the United States and Europe affect the nature of defence policy and economic security across the transatlantic space?
• What more should Europe and the United States do to ensure they are prepared for a potential upheaval during and after the political transition

CSDS was proud to welcome a range of high-level speakers including President Roberta Metsola (European Parliament), Luis Simón (CSDS), Lotje Boswinkel (CSDS), Sophia Besch (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace), Anand Menon (UK in a Changing Europe), Nicolai von Ondarza (SWP Berlin), Georgina Wright (Institut Montaigne), Daniel Fiott (CSDS), Emma Ashford (Stimson Center), Max Bergmann (CSIS), Giselle Donnelly (American Enterprise Institute), Alex Velez-Green (The Heritage Foundation) and Daniela Schwarzer (Bertelsmann Stiftung).

Transatlantic Transitions – Programme