Evolving alliances: how does coordination of democratic countries’ interests need to evolve in response to geopolitical pressures?

Evolving alliances: how does coordination of democratic countries’ interests need to evolve in response to geopolitical pressures?

This Ditchley Deutschland conference explored how democratic allies must evolve their coordination to respond effectively to geopolitical pressures, the impact of technology, and climate change. Bringing together participants from Germany, Poland, the UK, and the US, the discussion was framed by the acute, existential challenge of the war in Ukraine and the chronic, competitive dynamic with China. The participants noted that foreign and domestic policies are now deeply intertwined, especially concerning economic, energy, and national security. A clear theme was the need to move beyond inadequate engagement with countries often grouped as the 'global South', recognising their distinct, often 'omni-aligned' interests and the necessity for genuine, effective partnerships, particularly on energy transition investment. The profound impact of recent US industrial policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, sparked awe and alarm amongst European attendees, forcing a moment of self-reflection on Europe’s own industrial and foreign policies and the values underpinning them. The overall challenge for democratic alliances is simultaneously to address complexity, prepare for the future, and achieve greater clarity over economic models while making up lost ground.