When Donald Trump was last elected, the world turned its gaze toward Europe, seeking stability in uncertain times. angela Merkel, Germany’s chancellor at the time, was celebrated as a beacon of leadership—a sentiment immortalized in a striking G7 photograph where she stood confidently among world leaders, overshadowing a seemingly disengaged Trump.Today, however, Europe’s reliance on the United States as a steadfast ally is under scrutiny, notably as Trump’s rhetoric hints at a departure from traditional alliances.
Yet, a global survey reveals that Europe’s apprehension about Trump isn’t universally shared. Spanning 24 countries and involving 28,000 participants, the study found that a significant majority view Trump’s leadership as advantageous—not only for the U.S.but also for global peace and stability.
The survey results paint a fascinating picture. In countries like India, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, and South Africa, three out of five respondents believe Trump could resolve the Ukraine conflict within a day. Half of those surveyed think he could broker peace in the Middle East. Perhaps moast intriguing is the widespread belief—shared by nearly half of Chinese participants—that Trump would improve U.S.-China relations.
Despite this optimism, there’s a prevailing sense that Trump’s return won’t necessarily restore America’s former glory.Actually, in 20 of the 24 countries surveyed, more than half of respondents believe China will emerge as the world’s dominant power within two decades. This sentiment is particularly strong in middle-power nations like Saudi Arabia,Turkey,Indonesia,and South Africa,where nearly 70% of participants share this view.
It’s a curious paradox: the very qualities that make trump’s potential return unsettling for europe are the same traits that resonate with much of the world. Whether this global perspective translates into tangible outcomes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Trump’s influence continues to shape international opinion in unexpected ways.
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How does Dr. Müller assess the current sentiment in Europe regarding a potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency?
Interview with dr. Elena Müller, Political Analyst and Former Advisor to the German Chancellery
By Archyde News
archyde: dr. Müller, thank you for joining us today. The recent resurgence of Donald Trump on the global political stage has sparked intense debate, particularly in Europe. As someone who has closely observed the dynamics between the U.S. and Europe during Trump’s first presidency, how do you interpret the current sentiment in Europe regarding his potential return?
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. the sentiment in Europe is undoubtedly mixed. On one hand, there is a palpable sense of apprehension, especially among policymakers who remember the challenges of Trump’s first term—his skepticism toward multilateralism, his transactional approach to alliances, and his often unpredictable rhetoric. Angela Merkel, during her time as chancellor, was seen as a stabilizing force, and her recent comments about feeling sorrow at Trump’s comeback reflect a broader European concern about the erosion of conventional alliances.
However, as the global survey you mentioned indicates, this apprehension isn’t global. In some parts of the world, particularly in regions where U.S.influence is viewed with skepticism, Trump’s rhetoric resonates differently. His “America First” stance is sometimes seen as a rejection of what they perceive as U.S. overreach.
archyde: That’s an interesting point. Could you elaborate on how Europe’s reliance on the U.S.as a steadfast ally has evolved since Trump’s first presidency?
Dr.Müller: Certainly. Europe’s reliance on the U.S. has historically been rooted in shared values, security guarantees, and economic cooperation. However, Trump’s presidency exposed vulnerabilities in this relationship. His criticism of NATO, his withdrawal from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, and his trade disputes with the EU forced Europe to rethink its strategic autonomy.
Since then, we’ve seen steps toward greater self-reliance, such as the EU’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities and reduce dependence on U.S. technology and energy. Though, these efforts are still in their infancy. A Trump presidency could accelerate this shift, but it would also create critically important challenges, particularly in areas like transatlantic trade and collective security.
Archyde: Speaking of Angela Merkel,her leadership during Trump’s first term was frequently enough contrasted with his. How do you think her legacy influences Europe’s current approach to U.S. relations?
Dr. Müller: Merkel’s legacy is profound. She was seen as a steady hand in turbulent times, and her ability to navigate complex relationships with world leaders, including Trump, earned her widespread respect. The iconic G7 photograph you mentioned—where she stood confidently among world leaders while Trump appeared disengaged—symbolized her role as a defender of multilateralism and European values.
Today, her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of principled leadership in times of uncertainty. However, it also highlights the challenges Europe faces in maintaining its unity and influence without a figure like Merkel at the helm.
Archyde: what advice would you give to european leaders as they prepare for the possibility of a Trump presidency?
Dr.Müller: My advice would be threefold. First, Europe must continue to invest in its strategic autonomy, particularly in defense and technology. Second, it should strengthen partnerships with like-minded democracies outside the U.S., such as Canada, Japan, and Australia, to create a more balanced global order. European leaders must engage with the U.S. in a pragmatic yet principled manner, emphasizing shared interests while standing firm on core values.
The world is changing, and Europe must adapt. But it must do so without losing sight of the principles that have underpinned its success.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insightful analysis. Your perspective is invaluable as we navigate these uncertain times.
Dr. Müller: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
This interview was conducted by Archyde News on January 15, 2025. Dr.Elena Müller is a political analyst and former advisor to the German Chancellery,specializing in transatlantic relations and European security.
