In Search of Plan B
Philip H. Gordon & Mara Karlin | Foreign Affairs, January/February 2026
The concept of Allies After America captures growing concern among U.S. partners about long-term American reliability. In The Allies After America, Philip H. Gordon and Mara Karlin analyze how allies are quietly preparing contingency strategies in case U.S. foreign policy becomes less predictable or less committed to global leadership.
Strategic Hedging and Contingency Planning
The authors argue that allies are not openly abandoning the United States. However, they are exploring “Plan B” options. These include increasing defense spending, strengthening regional security arrangements, and deepening ties with alternative partners.
Moreover, political polarization in the United States has amplified uncertainty. Changes in administration can produce abrupt policy shifts, leading allies to question the durability of American commitments. As a result, hedging behavior has become more visible, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia.
Alliance Adaptation in a Changing Order
The article emphasizes that alliance structures are resilient but not immune to erosion. If doubts about U.S. credibility persist, coordination could weaken over time. Therefore, preparation for an Allies After America scenario reflects strategic prudence rather than hostility.
At the same time, Gordon and Karlin suggest that allies still prefer sustained U.S. engagement. The search for alternatives is a response to uncertainty, not a rejection of partnership.
Implications for Global Stability
Ultimately, the authors argue that alliances remain central to international stability. However, their durability depends on trust and consistency. The debate surrounding Allies After America signals that credibility is now as important as capability.
If the United States seeks to preserve alliance leadership, it must demonstrate reliability across administrations. Otherwise, contingency planning may gradually reshape the global balance of power.
Reference
Gordon, P. H., & Karlin, M. (2026). The allies after America: In search of Plan B. Foreign Affairs, 105(1). https://www.foreignaffairs.com/