FIRST, STAUNCH THE BLEEDING: WHAT THE NEXT PRESIDENT CAN DO IMMEDIATELY AND LONG TERM TO REPAIR THE U.S.-EUROPE RELATIONSHIP.

• Author: Smith, Julianne

The transatlantic relationship has suffered a series of near-fatal blows in recent years. President Trump has openly questioned America's Article 5 commitment to defend any attacked NATO member, dubbed the European Union a "foe," and repeatedly disparaged some of America's closest allies--for example, calling Germany "captive to Russia." The people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. France and Germany, instead of joining forces to chart a future course for the European project, have spent years trapped between President Emmanuel Macron's unbridled desire to lead a more assertive Europe and Chancellor Angela Merkel's caution and paralysis.

Meanwhile, Russia and other adversaries have become increasingly creative in finding ways to undermine transatlantic unity and resolve. And populist forces on both sides of the Atlantic are bringing new leaders to power who lack an interest in or exposure to Europe and America's shared history and values. While it would be premature to issue last rites to the transatlantic relationship, there's no question that it is ailing.

The next U.S. president will need to revitalize this critical partnership--it serves far too many of America's political, economic, and security interests to allow it to deteriorate further. Over the last 70 years, the United States and Europe have established the rules-based order through an array of multilateral institutions and alliances, from NATO to the United Nations, that have protected and promoted shared values. We have, at different times, tackled global challenges ranging from Ebola to climate change to Iran's nuclear ambitions. While the U.S. brings the most military assets to the alliance, Europe's contribution is substantial; its economic might is hefty; and it invests disproportionately in diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, and other forms of "soft" power.

Breathing fresh life into the relationship won't be easy. Electing an American president who refrains from name calling, supports the rules-based order, and brings stability to the alliance would be a good start. But that won't be enough to put the transatlantic partnership on a more sustainable and constructive course and restore America's credibility.

There are certain steps, however, a new president could take to begin the rebuilding process. In the first 100 days, he or she should travel to Germany--the country that has been perhaps most relentlessly and unfairly criticized by Trump--and...