Germany and the United States: The Transatlantic Partnership at a Crossroads

Germany - Ekhbary News Agency

Germany and the United States: The Transatlantic Partnership at a Crossroads

The year 2026 marks a significant milestone for international diplomacy with the opening of the 62nd Munich Security Conference on Friday, February 13. This annual event, traditionally a barometer of geopolitical relations, this time takes on particular resonance as it unfolds in a climate of profound uncertainty regarding the future of the transatlantic partnership, especially between Germany and the United States. A year prior, within the same framework, US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a strongly anti-European address, a speech that was perceived as a real diplomatic 'slap' in Berlin.

This statement was not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a progressive deterioration of bilateral relations, exacerbated by the policies of President Donald Trump. Historically, post-war Germany's identity was forged on an unwavering pillar: its partnership with the United States. This bond, cemented by the Marshall Plan, the creation of NATO, and decades of cooperation against the Soviet threat, served as the foundation for German reconstruction and prosperity. However, the 'America First' approach of the Trump administration sowed discord, questioning traditional alliances and demanding a redistribution of burdens, particularly within NATO, which inevitably increased distrust.

Despite German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's attempts to adopt a conciliatory tone and maintain dialogue, strategic divergences and ideological tensions persist. The central question remains: what is the specificity of this German-American relationship, and can it survive a new mandate for Donald Trump, or even an era of increasing nationalism in the United States? For Guillaume Duval, advisor at the Jacques Delors Institute and former advisor to Josep Borrell, the current situation compels Europe to redefine its strategic autonomy. Germany, in particular, must navigate between its historical loyalty to Washington and the need to strengthen European sovereignty in the face of complex global challenges.

Anne Salles, a lecturer at the Sorbonne University and a specialist in contemporary German civilization, emphasizes that the 'slap' felt in Germany is all the deeper because the nation built its pacifist and democratic identity on this partnership. To challenge this foundation is to shake a part of German self-perception. The anti-European rhetoric, perceived as a rejection of multilateral values and international cooperation—principles dear to Berlin—creates a difficult gap to bridge.

Paul Maurice, Secretary General of the Committee for Franco-German Relations Studies (Cerfa) at the French Institute of International Relations, contextualizes current challenges within a changing Europe. His study, "Thirty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall: what's new in the East?", reminds us that geopolitical dynamics have profoundly evolved since the end of the Cold War. Germany, the pivot of Europe, faces new security and economic realities, where the American guarantee is no longer perceived as unconditional. The question of Berlin's response is therefore crucial: is it a strategic reorientation towards greater European autonomy, a strengthening of intra-European ties, or an attempt to preserve a weakened transatlantic partnership at all costs?

The stakes extend beyond the mere bilateral relationship. The stability of NATO, the management of international crises, the response to climate challenges, and the regulation of global trade largely depend on the ability of both powers to find common ground. The Munich Conference will be an opportunity to assess the depth of this crisis of confidence and to gauge the intentions of key actors. For Germany, it is a time for strategic reflection on its role in a multipolar world, where the certainties of yesteryear are fading. The end of a 'special relationship' as we have known it would not necessarily mean a total break, but rather a profound transformation, with lasting implications for the global order.

Ekhbary News Agency