Allies Forge New Bonds Amidst U.S. Policy Shifts
Global Powers Strengthen Ties as Trade and Security Landscape Evolves
A realignment of international partnerships is underway, as nations traditionally aligned with the United States deepen cooperation in trade, defense, and diplomacy, responding to perceived shifts in U.S. foreign policy. This evolving dynamic signals a potential reshaping of the global order.
Growing Concerns Over U.S. Direction
Several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Japan, are proactively building stronger relationships with each other. This move stems from anxieties regarding the priorities of the administration of Donald Trump and its impact on established international norms. These nations, often categorized as “middle powers,” are seeking to navigate a changing world order.
“These are industrialized democracies, allies of the United States, supporting multilateral rules and institutions,”
—Roland Paris, Professor of International Relations
Paris, director of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, explained that this shift reflects a response to a weakening of U.S. commitment to the existing international framework. The pursuit of “opportunistic and self-interested initiatives that are still collaborative” characterizes this new approach.
G7 Summit Reveals Emerging Divisions
The annual Group of Seven summit in Alberta, Canada, is poised to highlight these evolving dynamics. The Canadian government, hosting the event, has extended invitations to leaders from India, Brazil, and Mexico, signaling a broadening of the traditional G7 circle. Organizers are planning meetings excluding the United States, creating a space for allies to address concerns directly.
This comes as global trade tensions remain high. According to the World Trade Organization, global trade volume grew by only 1.7% in 2023, a significant slowdown compared to the 3.5% growth recorded in 2022 (WTO Trade Statistics 2024).
EU and UK Reset Relations
In May, the European Union and the United Kingdom reached a significant agreement, resetting their relationship after Brexit. The deal encompassed extensions of fishing rights, increased market access for British agricultural products, and a substantial defense and security pact. Canada and the UK are also collaborating to participate in the EU’s €150 billion ($171 billion) defense investment program.
Ignacio García Bercero, a nonresident fellow at Bruegel, a Brussels think tank, emphasized the need for the EU to strengthen its trade negotiations with other nations in light of the current situation. The EU is actively pursuing new trade deals with economies worldwide, including India and South American nations.
We negotiate. We do not isolate. 🇪🇺🤝🌎
— Maroš Šefčovič (@MarosSefcovic) May 10, 2024
Coordinated Diplomatic Action
The growing cooperation extends beyond trade. A recent example of this is the coordinated action taken by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, which imposed travel bans and froze assets of two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers in response to the conduct of the war in Gaza. Previously, Britain, France, and Canada jointly issued a strong statement condemning the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
A Shift, Not a Severance
Despite these developments, leaders acknowledge the continued importance of the United States. The goal is not to replace the U.S. as a partner, but to diversify relationships and reduce reliance on a single nation. Roland Paris noted that completely abandoning the U.S. relationship is impractical, particularly for Canada.
“America first means America first,”
—Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics
Kirkegaard concluded that the “America First” approach, while prioritizing U.S. interests, may ultimately lead to greater isolation for the country. The current trend suggests a lasting shift among allies towards a more independent and diversified approach to international affairs.
