Europe’s quest for strategic autonomy in response to Trumpism

Trumpism threatens the norms and values of multilateralism in many ways. The European Union’s answer to this new reality is a claim to or rather quest for strategic autonomy. This includes its role as a geopolitical actor, norm-setter and proponent of free trade in the system of the World Trade Organization. This paper critically evaluates the claim, starting with the philosophical foundations of autonomy and then turning towards the three different domains of geopolitics, economics and normative power. As a global standard-setter, the EU’s normative influence is tested by an international order increasingly challenged by illiberal actors and shifting US priorities that are also not only rooted in Trumpism. For the EU to thrive, defend its interests and ideals in a fragmented world and find an answer to Trumpism and its policies it must embrace pragmatic reforms, invest in new alliances (particularly with the Global South), and balance realism with its foundational values.