The rules-based multilateral order and the transatlantic partnership, which have provided Europe with prosperity and security over the past decades, are in the midst of a profound crisis. During his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has further intensified his “America First” agenda—ranging from going it alone and competing for resources and technologies to open hostilities toward European partners. This is hitting Europe particularly hard at a time of threats from Russia and the rapid rise of the Global South—especially China—across a range of areas, from military buildup to artificial intelligence. Finally, democracy as a form of government is under increasing pressure in Western countries and is in retreat worldwide. These developments confront Germany and Europe with the question of how they should position themselves in the changing world order. Various options are being discussed in public and academic debates: Should Europe preserve the multilateral order and fill the gaps left by the U.S.? Should Europe follow the U.S. and prioritize the transatlantic partnership? Or should Europe focus more on its own interests and its immediate neighborhood?

The workshop contributes to a better understanding of Europe’s role in times of crisis in multilateralism and geopolitical competition by addressing a significant research gap: On the one hand, a rapidly growing body of research focuses on Europe’s economic competitiveness and geopolitical “strategic autonomy.” However, these studies are often limited to an internal European perspective. On the other hand, recent research in international relations has focused on the crisis of the rules-based order. Yet these studies concentrate primarily on the challenges facing—and the resilience of—multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Although Europe is widely regarded as a “normative power” and thus a natural champion of the rules-based order, systematic analyses are lacking.

The workshop focuses on Europe’s cooperation with partners as a “multilateral power.” To explore how Europe, together with various partners—both within and outside established institutions—pursues its goals and addresses global challenges, it brings together political scientists with expertise in various policy areas. Based on a shared theoretical framework, participants will identify strategies and conditions for success that will enable Europe to exert its influence amid the crisis of multilateralism and geopolitical competition. In addition to fostering academic exchange, raising the profile of my research agenda, and expanding my network, my goal with this workshop is to co-author a special issue in a leading journal on European or international politics.

These and more were the topics of my conversation with Liz Remter for Körber-Stiftung Listen to Wissen as well as ByteFM "Wissen." 

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