Beyond National and Regional Analysis

The regional trends examined above support the argument that, owing to the

overwhelming sense of satisfaction expressed towards Biden’s victory, U.S.-European relations will improve. Those countries that have not expressed optimism or faith in the new

administration and may seek to disassociate further from the U.S. will most likely be compelled

to move towards amicable relations by either a dependency on (defense) aid in the case of Eastern European countries (e.g., Poland, Ukraine) or by other economic and political concerns that make such dissociation difficult and costly, if not impossible. Inextricable political and economic ties are evinced in individual cases, such as the UK’s desire to retain close allies post-

Brexit, the U.S. and Sweden’s participation in a plethora of organizations in partnership with the U.S., and the impossibility of nations like Germany and France lessening their dependence on the

United States’ titanic economy despite recent attempts by both to pursue increased self-reliance.

This is not to insinuate the U.S. is coercing or constricting any nation into a reluctant alliance;

each European country and the U.S. recognize the mutual benefits of closer multilateral ties and collaboration. With Biden’s intent to deliver on these promises, his administration must now undertake the significant task of repairing neglected relationships, several of which may initially appear to be one-sided. However, after a leader as unpopular among Europeans as

Donald Trump, public opinion may significantly aid Biden in his quest for improved relations. International leaders have often expressed the opinion of the public in their reaction to the

election, and just as organizational participation will keep the U.S. and Europe close, the

observance of rational diplomacy and external pressure from the European majority will

encourage closer ties.

Turning from national and regional responses to the 2020 election, the next section of

this paper will explore the trends that have emerged from these responses. As the dust begins

to settle following Biden’s election, many may find themselves asking, “what now?” First, the next section will investigate the issues of eroded trust in the democratic process in the United

States and the implications for European allies. It will then move into a discussion about climate