International politics in many ways will be affected by the second Trump administration and its policies, whether in geopolitical terms or with regard to the rise of authoritarian tendencies. To discuss different scenarios, on Friday, March 7, 2025, the Academy invited its current, future and associate fellows to a meeting on The World After Trump to tap into their diverse backgrounds and expertise.

One of the main aspects during the lively debate was the future role of the European Union particularly against the war against Ukraine. The existing security architecture was seen as being tested and in need of revisions. At the same time, calls for a more peaceful global order with a focus less on armament than equitable relations also raised that alternatives need to be considered. Particularly since the US was regarded as having lost some its moral clout, for instance by disengaging from global governance institutions. Furthermore,  trade conflicts initiated by President Trump’s government, with China but also neighbouring countries, and the withdrawal from climate policy, which is undermining global efforts to combat climate change, were also discussed. The moral damage to democracy within the US and its potential repercussions for the Western liberal model were a third major threat in the debate.

Several break-out sessions offered a chance to deepen some of these discussions in smaller groups. 

The team of the Academy would like to thank all  fellows and associate fellows for this fruitful exchange – we are highly motivated to continue our discussions in the next meeting!