Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/297222 
Year of Publication: 
2024
Series/Report no.: 
SWP Comment No. 17/2024
Publisher: 
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), Berlin
Abstract: 
While a second Trump Presidency would be challenging for transatlantic ties, US nuclear assurances to its NATO allies in Europe would likely be the last casualty - not the first - of a fraying relationship. There is an intrinsic incompatibility between the United States completely abandoning its role as global actor, which would be the prerequisite for the withdrawal of such assurances, and Trump's domestic interests. It cannot be denied that the worst-case scenario - namely, the end of extended nu­clear deterrence - is possible and requires careful contingency planning on the part of the allies; but it is highly unlikely and should not distract from addressing the more probable outcome. Even in the best-case scenario of a Trump II administration resembling his first term, US nuclear assurances are likely to become less credible. To allay concerns, German and European policymakers should work with their US counterparts before and after the November 2024 election to strengthen transatlantic diplomatic coordination, conventional deterrence and defence, as well as nuclear options.
Subjects: 
Trump Presidency
NATO
Europe
nuclear assurance
nuclear deterrence
European security
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Research Report

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