In his inaugural lecture as Chair of Transatlantic Trade and Economy, Ian Lesser explored the growing interconnections between politics, security, and economics in transatlantic relations. He argued that the United States and Europe remain each other's most important economic, diplomatic, and security partners, but that this relationship must adapt to a rapidly changing international environment. The lecture highlighted three major challenges shaping the transatlantic agenda: rising geopolitical instability, the return of economic nationalism, and the need to rethink transatlantic relations within a broader Atlantic context that includes Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Dr. Lesser examined how developments ranging from the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East to industrial policy, economic security, and technological competition are reshaping policy debates on both sides of the Atlantic. The discussion also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic cooperation while addressing new challenges related to trade, technology, energy, security, and global governance. As governments increasingly view economic policy through a geopolitical lens, the lecture underscored the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation between Europe and North America.  

Key themes 

• Geopolitical risk and transatlantic security 
• Economic nationalism and economic security 
• Trade and technology policy 
• Europe-US cooperation in a changing global order 
• The wider Atlantic region and global governance 

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