The Irish Independent's View: This Fourth of July, let's celebrate our rich historical links with America instead of our differences
Since US president Donald Trump returned to the White House, there has been a political realignment as 'America First' prerogatives take precedence over long-standing relationships.
Trumpian ideologies have come to the fore, jarring established norms and undermining alliances. To be fair to Mr Trump, no one should have been too surprised, because whether one agrees with him or not, he did exactly what he said he would.
His presidential decrees and pursuit of populist causes reflect the base that had put him in power, but the populist versus moderate tensions that define so much of American politics are as divisive as ever.
Mr Trump undertook an unapologetic anti-globalisation agenda, but the pitfalls in so aggressively asserting such in a market-based world economy rapidly became apparent. The 'Liberation Day' tariffs led to something of a meltdown, and a rethink was enforced as American bonds began to feel the heat.
Make no mistake – the US economy is still pre-eminent and America is also the world's dominant superpower. The Trump administration has sought to support populist parties in Europe backing hard-right candidates and attacking those whom they regard as overly liberal. Unsurprisingly, such interference has been resented by governments.
It would be far better if deals could be struck
But the greatest disruption has come from the imposition of tariffs. Unless a deal is done by next Wednesday, EU countries could be hit with 50pc tariffs.
Brussels has vowed to retaliate with a list of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has warned: 'We will defend the European interest as needed.'
The battle lines are being drawn, but it would be far better if deals could be struck. Ms Von der Leyen rightly doubts agreement by next week is possible, saying: 'It's a huge task because we have the largest trade volume globally between the EU and the United States, €1.5tn annually – very complex.'
The EU has signalled it is ready to live with a 10pc universal tariff on many exports. With the prospect of lower rates on pharmaceuticals, America's influence in wars in Ukraine, Israel/Gaza and Iran also remains critical. The US is still uniquely placed to use its influence to find a resolution in each should it flex its full political, economic and military muscle.
Many have felt Mr Trump is intent on discarding the rules-based order and replacing it with power-based competition, but history has shown Europe needs America just as America needs Europe.
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