The return of Trump and the rise of nationalism in Europe marks a postliberal era, which will compel the EU to realign its priorities
Image Source: Getty
This article is a part of the essay series “Budapest Edit”
Patrick J. Deneen wrote that “the future is postliberal, and the front has moved on”. Never has this been more evident than with the upcoming return of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance to the White House following the 5 November elections. Whether this means a gradual shift towards a potential “regime change”: domestically remains a matter of perception, but its influence on the international stage will undoubtedly be profound. Such a political realignment would likely accelerate the global movement towards a post-liberal order, characterised by a retreat from ideological frameworks in favour of pragmatic and interest-driven governance.
This development will resonate within the European Union (EU), likely empowering conservatives, particularly in the context of the upcoming German elections, making a revision of European priorities inevitable. Under mounting pressure from both external forces and internal dynamics, such as the rise of nationalist-populist movements, the EU may be compelled to realign its focus. This shift could grant member states greater autonomy to pursue their visions of the common good, tighten migration policies, and emphasise public safety and security. At the Union level, it may also provide an impetus to tackle enduring challenges—such as eroding competitiveness, stagnating innovation, and declining productivity—with a more open-minded approach.
With a reliance on the US becoming increasingly elusive and the so-called rules-based international order eroding under mounting security threats, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the EU faces intensified pressure to act as a cohesive geopolitical entity. In response, the EU is likely to accelerate its pursuit of “strategic autonomy”, meaning less dependence on the US, a push toward a more unified defence policy, increased defence spending, and possibly, the materialisation of a joint European nuclear deterrent.
Mentor Beqa is a senior lecturer of International Politics and Research Methods at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at “Aleksandër Moisiu” University, Durrës
The views expressed above belong to the author(s). ORF research and analyses now available on Telegram! Click here to access our curated content — blogs, longforms and interviews.
Dr. Mentor Beqa is the Executive Director of the Sami Frashëri Institute in Albania, specializing in national, European, and international security policy. He has served ...
Read More +
PREV
