This paper tries to answer the question, if populism does harm the Transatlantic Relations. In order to do so, it first sets out to give a quick definition of the term itself, before its attention to the rise of populism in European states. In a third step, economic impacts, such as the sanctions against Iran, are put against the backdrop of the aforementioned rise of populism. Finally, a quick overview over the findings concludes the essay.
Populism has a long-lasting history and was already observed under Julius Caesar in the Roman Empire. It did not become a widespread phenomenon and familiar term until the 1890s, when in America the first agrarian movements started, through which later the People’s party developed.
Until now, there is no single definition provided for the term populism. Scholars from the London School of Economics define populism as any of the following three:
1. The frustration over declines in the status of welfare
2. A nationalist nostalgia
3. A political strategy in which a charismatic leader appeals to the masses while sweeping aside institutions
The Economist sates that most influential definition was introduced in 2004 by Mudde. In the Economist, Muddes defined the term populism as an ideology that establishes an ideological framework of the pure people versus a corrupt elite. Mudde demands that politics should be an expression of the volonté general. Furthermore, a distinction between exclusive and inclusive populism has to be made. Exclusive populism describes the phenomenon of shutting out stigmatised groups, and is mainly found in Europe and North America. Whereas inclusive populism demands that politics be opened up to stigmatised groups and is mainly represented in Latin America.
In the paper, the term populism always refers to Muddes definitions of populism as an ideological framework.
Table of Contents
1. Definition Populism
2. Populism in America
3. Impacts of Populism on Transatlantic Relations from a political perspective
3.1 NATO
3.2 Rise of Populism in Europe
4. Impacts of Populism on Transatlantic Relations from an economic perspective
4.1 Iran Sanctions
4.2 Trade Dispute
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
6.1 Online
6.2 Print
6.3 Figures
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This term paper examines the influence of populist movements and specifically the presidency of Donald Trump on the stability and quality of transatlantic relations. The core research question addresses whether and to what extent modern populism harms the political and economic bonds between the United States and its European partners.
- Theoretical definition and historical context of populism.
- Drivers of populism in the United States and Europe.
- Impacts of protectionist trade policies on the World Trade Organization and bilateral relations.
- Security challenges within NATO exacerbated by populist rhetoric and spending disputes.
- Economic consequences of geopolitical shifts, such as the Iran nuclear deal sanctions.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 NATO
In 1949 the North Atlantic Treaty Council was established as a military alliance for collective self-defence against the former Soviet Union. America, as one of the founding members, played in important role in negotiating the treaty and providing space to do so, until the treaty was signed in Washington D.C.. Nowadays NATO still aims at guaranteeing security to its members trough political (partnerships) and military means.
Already during his election campaign, Donald Trump heavily criticized NATO and the purpose of it. He even suggested that the US might drop out of NATO. Furthermore in an interview he hinted that the US would not come to aid a NATO member who gets invaded by Russia. When coming into office, Donald Trump also complained, in many interviews, that the US has to carry the financial burden of NATO and that other members do not meet their financial obligations. But Donald Trump was not the first president complaining about meeting the financial obligations of some members. Already US presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama said that in a collective defence system everyone needs to meet their obligations to contribute to a common security. Figures from 2017 showed that only six members meet their obligation to spend 2% of their GDP on defence. This means currently the US contributes over 70% to the annual NATO budget. If the commitment to 2% of the GDP would bet met, NATO would have additionally US$ 90 billion per year9.
So, independently from President Trumps view it was inevitable that America would begin questioning its role and commitments due to their cost benefit ratio.
Summary of Chapters
1. Definition Populism: This chapter provides a historical overview and defines populism as an ideological framework contrasting "the pure people" against "a corrupt elite."
2. Populism in America: It explores the domestic factors—such as declining trust in government, immigration concerns, and economic instability—that fueled the rise of Donald Trump.
3. Impacts of Populism on Transatlantic Relations from a political perspective: This chapter analyzes how populist foreign policy challenges traditional alliances and international institutions, with a focus on NATO.
3.1 NATO: Examines the tensions regarding defense spending and the credibility of security guarantees under the Trump administration.
3.2 Rise of Populism in Europe: Discusses the similarities and regional differences of populist parties in countries like Hungary, Poland, France, and Germany, as well as the impact of Brexit.
4. Impacts of Populism on Transatlantic Relations from an economic perspective: Investigates how protectionist economic strategies and the disregard for multilateral trade agreements create conflict between the US and its allies.
4.1 Iran Sanctions: Details the economic friction caused by the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the resulting struggle for European nations to maintain economic ties.
4.2 Trade Dispute: Analyzes the consequences of U.S. tariff policies on global trade and the potential for a looming trade war.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, suggesting that while populism destabilizes liberal institutions, it should be viewed as a symptom of underlying issues that predated the current administration.
6. Bibliography: Lists all online sources, print media, and figure references used throughout the paper.
Keywords
Populism, Transatlantic Relations, NATO, Donald Trump, Protectionism, Foreign Policy, Iran Nuclear Deal, World Trade Organization, Globalization, Immigration, Working Class, Liberal World Order, Economic Sanctions, Trade War, Nationalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates the impact of the rise of populism, particularly under Donald Trump, on transatlantic political and economic relations.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the definition of populism, the rise of populist movements in the US and Europe, the functioning of NATO, international trade dynamics, and the consequences of unilateral U.S. foreign policy.
What is the main objective of the study?
The objective is to determine if populist policies are genuinely harmful to the stability of the transatlantic alliance or if they are merely accelerating pre-existing trends in international relations.
Which methodology is applied in this paper?
The author utilizes a qualitative analytical approach, examining political discourse, historical trends, and economic developments supported by secondary data and academic literature.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections cover political impacts (NATO, European populist parties), economic impacts (trade disputes, tariffs), and specific case studies like the Iran nuclear deal.
What key terms characterize the paper?
Essential terms include populism, protectionism, liberal world order, and transatlantic relations.
How does the paper differentiate between types of populism?
The paper uses the definition by Mudde, distinguishing between an ideology framework of the "pure people" versus a "corrupt elite," and notes the difference between exclusive (Western) and inclusive (Latin American) populism.
What role does the "diversity dilemma" play in the rise of populism?
The paper argues that shifts in migration patterns and the resulting religious and ethnic diversity have contributed to a sense of insecurity among parts of the population, which populist leaders exploit.
How does the author interpret the impact of Trump's foreign policy on NATO?
The author argues that while Trump's rhetoric and demands for increased defense spending have strained the alliance, he is a symptom of long-standing problems within NATO rather than the sole cause.
What does the conclusion suggest about the future of transatlantic relations?
The conclusion suggests that while populism causes mistrust, it may also inadvertently lead to new forms of cooperation, such as the EU-Japan free trade agreement, as nations seek alternatives to U.S.-led policy.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2019, Make America Great Again. Does Populism Harm Transatlantic Relations?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/984157
