Objective: Students will critically assess the evolving dynamics between the United States and Europe during President Trump’s second term, focusing on political responses, strategic adaptations, economic considerations, and security implications.
Session 1: Understanding the New Transatlantic Landscape
Engagement Activity:
- Initiate a class discussion by asking students to brainstorm their perceptions of the U.S.-Europe relationship before Trump’s presidency.
- Present key historical moments in U.S.-Europe relations post-World War II, focusing on NATO, trade agreements, and political alliances.
Podcast Analysis:
- Play the podcast episode “The View From Europe.”
- Students take notes focusing on:
- European leaders’ initial reactions to Trump’s second term.
- Strategic responses from the European Union.
- Economic concerns, particularly regarding potential tariff disputes.
Group Research & Task Differentiation:
- Divide students into research groups based on interest. Topics include:
- Political reactions of key European countries (e.g., Germany, France, Italy) to Trump’s policies.
- NATO and defense spending concerns.
- Trade relations and potential tariff disputes.
- The rise of European populism and its connection to Trump’s policies.
- The future of U.S. support for Ukraine and its implications for European security.
- Each group will:
- Conduct research using provided materials and additional sources.
- Develop a short briefing document outlining key insights.
- Prepare a creative way to present findings (e.g., infographic, short video, or panel discussion).
Session 2: Deepening Analysis and Strategic Implications
Reflection & Discussion:
- Recap key points from the previous session.
- Encourage students to share lingering questions or reactions.
Case Study Analysis:
- Introduce the concept of European Strategic Autonomy.
- Guide students in small-group discussions on:
- How Trump’s policies might accelerate or hinder this initiative.
- Potential implications for NATO and transatlantic security.
- The future of European-U.S. diplomatic relations.
Debate & Argument Construction:
- Split the class into two teams to debate the motion: “Europe should prioritize strategic autonomy over maintaining traditional transatlantic ties in light of Trump’s second term.”
- Teams prepare structured arguments, considering economic, security, and diplomatic consequences.
- Conduct the debate, ensuring rebuttals and counterarguments are included.
Session 3: Policy Simulation & Future Scenarios
Policy Simulation Setup:
- Explain the concept and rules of the policy simulation exercise.
- Assign students to groups representing:
- U.S. Administration
- European Commission
- NATO leadership
- Russian government
- Chinese government
- Each group will develop a policy strategy to respond to a hypothetical crisis involving U.S.-Europe relations during Trump’s second term.
Scenario Development & Strategy Presentation:
- Groups analyze the crisis scenario, discussing policy priorities and diplomatic strategies.
- Each group presents its response, while other groups challenge and ask questions.
Debrief & Assessment:
- Compare the different strategies presented.
- Discuss real-world implications and the feasibility of these strategies.
Assessment:
- Group presentations and debate participation (30%)
- Individual research-based essay on “The Potential Long-Term Impacts of Trump’s Second Term on U.S.-Europe Relations and Global Geopolitics” (40%)
- Policy simulation participation and strategy development (30%)
Opinion & Reflection:
The evolving dynamics between the United States and Europe during President Trump’s second term present a complex interplay of political, economic, and strategic considerations. European leaders face the challenge of balancing traditional alliances with the need to assert their autonomy in the face of unpredictable U.S. policies. The potential for tariff disputes further complicates this relationship, posing risks to economic stability on both sides of the Atlantic.
It is imperative for the European Union to develop cohesive strategies that not only address immediate challenges but also strengthen its long-term position in global affairs. This may involve diversifying alliances, investing in internal economic resilience, and taking a more proactive role in international diplomacy. Such steps could ensure that Europe remains a formidable and independent actor on the world stage, capable of navigating the uncertainties of contemporary geopolitics.
For a more in-depth understanding, you can watch the full discussion in the podcast episode below: