The recent row over a new US-UK-Australian defense pact has exposed shifts taking place in international alliances through military cooperation. French officials expressed dismay earlier in September at Australia's decision to purchase submarines from the US and cooperate more closely with the UK, where France had previously seen an opportunity given its presence in Pacific islands. The event echoed the displeasure of the incoming Biden Administration that the EU proceeded in December 2020 with plans for the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment. How are Brexit and changes in geopolitical strategy in the US placing previous allies in competition with one another?