Flagship newsletter icon
From Semafor Flagship
In your inbox, every weekday
Sign up

US allies strengthen middle-power ties on fears of longterm isolationism

Sep 24, 2026, 6:54am EDT
PostEmailWhatsapp
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham attends the Middle East peace event “The Road Ahead: One Year After the New York Declaration and the Comprehensive 20-point Peace Plan” with French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Saudi representative Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during the United Nations General Assembly.
Toby Melville/Reuters

Longtime US allies moved to reduce their dependence on Washington, signaling their anticipation that America’s shifting priorities will outlast President Donald Trump’s time in office.

Canada’s prime minister — trying to lead a diffuse band of middle powers navigating the US-China standoff — told The Wall Street Journal he was open to trade negotiations with Washington to end their tariff war, but said he would still seek to diversify Ottawa’s global ties.

Separately, a Belgian foreign ministry document reviewed by the Financial Times noted that US political dynamics were “likely to compromise several vital interests” of the EU. As an Atlantic writer noted, American allies “now figure isolationism and protectionism will be US foreign policy for a long time to come.”

A chart showing the share of respondents in 20 countries who said they have a favorable view of US versus China
AD