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In Search of a Balance: Europe and America in the Trump Era

The 2026 edition of the Transatlantic Symposium, the annual symposium organised by IAI in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explored how the changing political landscapes in the United States and Europe influence transatlantic relations at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty. The discussion started from the premise that the future of the transatlantic partnership can no longer be understood solely through the lens of shared strategic interests: increasingly, domestic political dynamics, ideological divisions and competing visions of the international order are shaping both sides’ approach to the relationship. Across four panels, the Symposium examined the domestic political roots of transatlantic tensions, the challenges posed by China and growing economic interdependence, the future of European security and NATO, and Europe’s role in an increasingly fragmented multilateral order. The second day turned to the US midterm elections, examining the issues creating political cleavage, the growing discontent, and the ideological developments among the two opposing camps, all while considering the possible repercussions on Europe.