The latest U.S. cabinet appointments, their impact on America’s role on the world stage, and the fallout for fault-line countries in the global power competition were the focal points of a high-level discussion hosted by the Center for the Study of Democracy on December 4. The online event, “Shifting Power: The Emerging Trump Cabinet and Implications for U.S. Global Engagement,” emphasized the intersection of U.S. domestic decisions with broader trends of rising authoritarianism, disinformation, and challenges to democratic norms worldwide. This session was the third in a series of discussions with The Wall Street Journal focusing on geopolitical dynamics.
The event brought together an exceptional panel of experts and journalists, including:
- John Bussey, Associate Editor, The Wall Street Journal;
- Aaron Zitner, Reporter and Editor, Washington Bureau, The Wall Street Journal;
- Lee Hochstetter, European Columnist, The Washington Post.
The discussion highlighted the U.S.'s shifting priorities in foreign and domestic policy through the lens of recent political nominations, categorized as "disruptors" and "guardrails." Key topics included the war in Ukraine, NATO’s cohesion, and Europe’s defense spending in light of U.S. pressures. Panelists examined how evolving U.S. policies, particularly under the leadership of President Trump’s potential nominees, might test transatlantic alliances, reshape global defense strategies, and impact stability in regions like Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Another focus was the internal and external pressure points shaping these dynamics, such as the rising influence of populist movements, the economic pressures on European nations, and the challenges posed by shifting U.S. stances on climate change and global trade. The session offered a nuanced exploration of how democratic institutions can withstand these challenges in an era of political polarization and global uncertainty.
