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James F. Downes

James F. Downes

Dr James F. Downes is head of the Politics and Public Administration Programme at Hong Kong Metropolitan University. His latest research examines Populism in Europe, EU-China Economic Relations, and China’s BRI Project. He is also a research fellow at the Global Europe Centre, at the University of Kent. James is an award-winning teacher who recently received the Chinese University of Hong Kong Vice-Chancellor’s Exemplary Teaching Award (2022). His forthcoming book, written with Dr Valerio Alfonso Bruno and Dr Alessio Scopelliti, titled: “The Rise of the Radical Right in Italy” will be published in 2024.

Trump is likely to escalate hostilities against China and the EU, with higher tariffs and a possible US exit from Nato. To prepare, Beijing and Brussels must start tackling their geopolitical, security and trade differences.

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Policy divisions among EU institutions as well as member states, and intensifying US-China rivalry, complicate the bloc’s China policy. The EU must get agreement on a unified China strategy among its member states, focusing on economics and trade, but avoid systemic decoupling and steer clear of politics.

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The rightward shift in the political landscape in Europe reflects the changing basis of political support and action in an EU beset with challenges. This trend suggests next year’s European Parliament elections could lead to further political shocks and gains for the far right.

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