Beyond stable alliances: uncertainty at the dawn of Trump’s second act

Abstract Donald Trump’s successful bid for the White House in 2024, combined with the Republican Party’s unified control of Congress and a solid conservative majority on the Supreme Court, underscores a stark reality: the second coming of “Trumpism” may be more relentless than the first. While Trump’s initial presidency from 2017 to 2021 introduced a disruptive “America First” paradigm that already led to far-spread uncertainty in International Relations, his return now carries the force of unrestrained partisan alignment across all branches of the federal government. His return also buries any hopes in Europe for the US to pursue its traditional foreign policy role any time soon. This configuration has far-reaching implications for the global stage, sowing a profound sense of uncertainty among allies and partners, especially in Europe.