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The transatlantic alliance, formed towards the end of World War II and continuing to this day, maintains its ties through both military engagements (NATO) and vibrant economic relations. However, this alliance is currently being shaken by different challenges. The balance in transatlantic relations is going through a difficult period due to the differences in the priorities of the parties. Transatlantic relations, which have generally been conducted on the principle of cooperation in the international system, seem to have shifted to a more dominant US relationship due to the Trump administration’s policies, which differ from the past and put Europe in a difficult position. The strict application of the “America First” doctrine in political and economic terms during Donald Trump’s second term in the US appears to be the source of the inequality in relations. In the current situation, European states are moving away from absolute harmony with the US in the international system and are experiencing various conflicts of interest. Issues such as mutual security commitment and shared values are no longer considered sufficient by the US. Therefore, Europe is faced with the necessity of maintaining its strategic autonomy within the framework of an interest-driven relationship.
One of the reflections of this transformation in relations is the redefinition of the US’s perception of global threats and its national defense strategy. The new US National Defense Strategy (NDS), published in January 2026, overshadowed alliance relationships by emphasizing homeland defense with an isolationist approach rather than global interactions. In this context, it can be said that the US has built a doctrinal foundation for the shift in its foreign policy direction. However, it can be argued that the reality on the ground contradicts the approach in the document. Although the US points to prioritizing the ‘homeland,’ it does not abandon its military engagements with different countries. Furthermore, the decision to conduct a military operation against Iran with the support of Israel on February 28, 2026, reflects this contradiction. Therefore, in a sense, US foreign policy in Donald Trump’s second administration has returned to the principles of the Jackson School. This diplomacy, which can adopt an interventionist or isolationist stance depending on the situation, has a dynamic that can oscillate between two poles within itself. The direction of this oscillation is directly related to the question of how vital U.S. interests are.
If the US foreign policy is to be examined specifically in the context of its policy towards Europe, it can be argued that the US’s indication that it no longer intends to be the primary guarantor of the European continent’s defense, and its desire to increase tariffs on Europe, gives meaning to the EU’s discourse of “strategic autonomy.” However, while Europe is trying to develop its defense industry and equip its own armies, it is also struggling with the political and economic pressure from the US, as well as its dominance over digital data.
This analysis will examine the current state of transatlantic relations. First, it will explore the US’s political, technological, and economic objectives in Europe, and Europe’s counter-movements of resistance and adaptation. Second, it will address Türkiye’s importance to the EU within this equation. Finally, the third and last section will assess the future of the European Union’s strategic autonomy.
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