Allied, but not (necessarily) aligned. Asymmetric relationships and strategic autonomy amidst great power competition

This chapter develops a realist framework to interpret the strategic behaviour of states amidst great power competition, focusing on the security–autonomy trade-off in alliance politics. It explores how asymmetric alliances constrain both domi-nant and secondary powers, especially in phases of systemic instability. By analys-ing the hegemon’s strategic options and the dilemmas faced by secondary states, the chapter explains how shifting alignments and autonomy debates – particularly in Europe – stem from renewed global rivalry and U.S. burden-sharing pressures.