The next transatlantic decade

During this wide-ranging conversation, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Peter Mandelson, Chairman of Global Counsel, discussed how the US, EU and UK can respond to the issues that will shape the future of the transatlantic relationship, in addition, she provided her thoughts on the domestic policy outlook.

Highlights from the discussion:

• Senator Shaheen emphasised the value of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges: acknowledging the friction caused between the US and allies during the Trump administration, Senator Shaheen stressed that global challenges such as the rising tide of Chinese militarism and the ongoing campaign to suppress international terrorism can only be addressed through collaborative efforts between the US, UK, EU and other NATO and like-minded allies. Despite more recent tensions, such as those inflamed by the inauguration of the Aukus alliance and the US’ exit from Afghanistan, Senator Shaheen explained that repairing and sustaining these relationships remains an essential foreign policy aim for the US.

• Despite the acceleration of US efforts to confront China’s geopolitical ambitions in recent years, engagement remains a key target: Senator Shaheen emphasised that US moves to check the perceived growing threat presented by China do not necessarily preclude bilateral engagement between the two over issues of importance, such as climate change. Whilst the US aims to project its preparedness to defend its interests and values at home and abroad, it does not see conflict as an inevitable conclusion of this agenda. Senator Shaheen discredited the idea of an overly-simplistic false dichotomy between engagement and firm opposition, arguing that the two are not mutually exclusive and that the US remains committed to cooperating with China on a range of issues, although the extent to which China shares this sentiment remains unclear.

• Brexit has strained the Special Relationship: Senator Shaheen detailed ongoing concerns in the US over the long-term implications of Brexit. Whilst the UK has demonstrated its commitment to remaining a strong member of NATO, many Irish-Americans, a community of which President Biden is a member, are concerned about how the UK’s departure from the EU might affect Ireland. Though Senator Shaheen described how the Prime Minister had indicated an intent to maintain peace and stability in the region, she stopped short of expressing full reassurance, explaining that time will tell how the situation plays out.