The direction you are heading USA It is an uncertainty that is difficult to predict. With the horizon of November legislative elections and the gaps in the transatlantic relationship on the table, the former United States ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Julissa Reynosoand the New York Times journalist Christopher Caldwell have discussed open fronts in matters of defense, economy and American international alliances during a round table at the Annual Meeting of the Cercle d’Economiawhich is being held in Barcelona starting this Monday.
“It is easy to think that those who vote for Trump are blinded to his defects or weaknesses. I think they see the same imperfect character that is seen in Europe,” Caldwell explained, in a context in which Trump is losing more and more points in approval polls. However, the journalist maintains that the difference in perception between Americans and Europeans lies in the transition and concentration of power from factories to computers, and how this has affected the average voter and their economy. ““Trump is the candidate of those who feel that power is moving away from them.”he has argued.
Looking ahead to the legislative elections in November, the former United States ambassador to Spain during the Biden Administration considers that Democrats have an advantage at a time of political tension and economic deterioration. “All signs point to the fact that the Democrats are going to obtain very good results and possibly win the House of Representatives,” Reynoso said. However, the diplomat has pointed to the reconfiguration of electoral maps as a factor that could improve Republican prospects. “Even so, “Democrats continue to have much higher numbers than Republicans.”he pointed out.
The transatlantic relationship
Regarding the tensions in the relationship between the United States and Europe, the shared perspective is that the common points remain greater than the divisions. ““Both sides are part of the West and we clearly need each other.”Caldwell said. Furthermore, the journalist believes that the Trump Administration’s disagreements do not arise from animosity, but from a desire to strengthen the alliance with Europe under its own terms. For her part, the former ambassador has alluded to the Trump’s relationship with democracy and institutions. “And why is it important for Europe? Because Europe is immersed in treaties and institutions with the United States,” he added.
Another of the open fronts in the transatlantic relationship is the trade and tariff barriers promoted by Trump in his second term. Still, ““The relationship between the European Union and the United States is so deep and their economies are so intertwined that it will be impossible for any president to make it disappear.”says Reynoso. Additionally, remember that the United States Supreme Court has blocked part of the tariffs imposed by the Republican Administration, which shows that there are still limits to executive power.
The speakers have also addressed the relationship between the United States and Spain and the recent tensions due to the position that President Sánchez has adopted on issues such as the war in Iran. “I think perhaps the animosity towards Spain that exists in the United States is exaggerated,” said Caldwell. “I would say that the differences between both countries were much more significant and had deeper consequences in 2004, with the departure of Spain from the Iraq war coalition,” the journalist concluded.
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