COALITION OF THE unWILLING AND unABLE: European Realignment and the Future of American Geopolitics

Why does the U.S. need European allies in standing up to China, pushing back against Russia, and pursuing other common interests around the world? Can those allies do their part to address these and other challenges by America’s side? Deni’s talk addresses the economic, demographic, political, and military trends that are fundamentally upending the ability and willingness of European allies to work with Washington. Brexit and its impact on Britain’s economy and its military, Germany’s reluctance to take on a leadership role, France’s continuing economic malaise, Italy’s aging population and its withdrawal from major overseas operations, and Poland’s demographic decline and single-minded obsession with Russia will combine to make partnership with Washington nearly impossible. In short, the constellation of allies and partners the U.S. has relied on since 9/11 will look very different a decade from now. How should Washington respond, when it doesn’t hold all the cards? Deni will offers an array of practical recommendations for American leaders. By leveraging these proposals, U.S. policy makers can avoid the worst-case scenarios and make the most of limited opportunities.