US Shift to Transactional Politics Affects Allies, EU Rebuilds Credibility

Fareed Zakaria criticized President Trump's foreign policy approach as overly transactional, asserting that it undermines America's long-standing relationships with allies like Canada and Mexico, and shifts the U.S. position from building enduring partnerships to leveraging power for short-term gains. He highlighted Trump's tendency to create win-lose situations, expressing concern that this could lead to a loss of trust and cooperation on the global stage. Concurrently, the EU faces challenges in managing its credibility and reform efforts in the Western Balkans during Trump's presidency, particularly following a period of ineffective 'stabilocracy' that prioritized security over meaningful reforms. The EU's previous transactional relationships have weakened its influence, complicating its ability to navigate tensions in the region. As Trump considers punitive measures against major trading partners, the international community questions the implications for global stability and economic impacts on U.S. consumers. Overall, both articles illustrate the evolving dynamics of international relations influenced by a transactional mindset.