What Trump's Midterm Setback Means for Europe

About This Episode

The US midterms delivered a setback for President Trump, but could the political forces that helped bring him to power be reshaping Europe? Mark Leonard of the European Council on Foreign Relations joins Deep Dish host Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss what he calls a "crisis of liberalism," the growing influence of Europe's far right, and why he believes the continent can no longer rely on the United States for its security. 

Key Takeaways

• The US midterm elections reflect a broader rejection of the status quo. Voters across advanced democracies are frustrated with the cost of living, government performance, and established political systems.  
• The decline of liberalism is a long-term structural trend. Both the US and Europe are moving away from traditional liberal assumptions around free trade, globalization, immigration, individual rights, and international institutions. Leonard points to a growing emphasis on national identity, sovereignty, collective interests, and stronger government intervention. 
• Europe must take responsibility for its own security. The US is increasingly focused on competing global priorities, particularly China, and is becoming less willing to underwrite European defense.  
• The far right is reshaping European politics, even when it doesn't win elections. Parties such as Marine Le Pen's are changing the political debate around immigration, national identity, economic policy, sovereignty, and the role of the state.  
• The world is moving from international order toward what Leonard calls "unorder,” defined by fragmentation, contagion, and weaponized interdependence. 
• Leonard argues that the coming decades will be characterized by persistent geopolitical, technological, economic, and climate-related disruption.