The Chicago Council for Global Affairs

Far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen has joined the French presidential race. Her victory would spark a complete departure from French foreign policy under Macron.

With the tournament set to kick off at a moment of geopolitical strain, authoritarian powers are seizing an opportunity.

The trilateral trade deal with Mexico and Canada remains in place for now, but the decision raises questions about North America’s economic future.

Millennial and Generation Z Americans have come of age during a time of technological change, economic upheaval, and strategic overreach.

"Having that provocation on the eve of the NATO summit could lead President Trump to do what he should do, which is to double down on NATO's demonstration of unity," Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri argues on CNN. "I mean, after all, this is this is a summit."

"Implementing NATO 3.0 in any meaningful sense requires the administration to name the threat that the alliance exists to deter," Council Vice President of Research for Security and Defense Ariane Tabatabai and John Drennan write.

"Despite open enmity toward multilateral institutions, the Trump administration finds itself turning back to these bodies to handle crises, distribute funds, and shoulder burdens," Council Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow Suzanne Nossel writes.

Alliances have long been one of America's greatest strategic advantages. At 250, the United States must redefine its partnerships for a transformed geopolitical and technological era.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026. In its pursuit of a strong economy, the United States would be smart to renew its trade partnership with its North American neighbors.

Since the days before its independence, America has gone to the extremes of foreign economic policy.

Recent history suggests that when the United States leads, others follow. And when it retreats, others take cover.