Europe at a time of great power competition

Abstract

The long cycles of history have been characterised by tension and competition between established and rising powers. The rise of China has been a structural feature of the global system for decades and there is considerable discussion concerning what kind of power China represents. Under President Trump, the US moved from President Obama’s soft containment policy to unilateral conflict and confrontation with China. The relationship between the US and China is now one of great power competition. While Europe was reluctant to follow the example of the Trump administration and engage in confrontation with China, under a Biden presidency this question will emerge in starker form and Europe may be torn between privileging the transatlantic partnership and maintaining a close relationship with China. In any case, Europe’s search for strategic autonomy may alter its approach to China.