In Its Response to Trump, Europe Should Avoid Disruption
The Europeans must be shrewd and coolheaded when it comes to dealing with the second Trump administration’s policies.
The Europeans must be shrewd and coolheaded when it comes to dealing with the second Trump administration’s policies.
Europe’s dilemma is that it needs to try and keep the United States on board while preparing for its departure. The best way forward is accelerated burden-shifting to build a more European NATO.
American hegemony could experience the same decline and sudden fall experienced in Ancient Rome. Europe needs to draw the right lessons from the past to thrive in this new era.
In the absence of the US security guarantee, Europe will have to rearm while also remaining united. The good news is that the Europeans are capable of achieving both—as long as they truly want to.
The United States is withdrawing from Europe, but it’s not all doom and gloom. The EU and non-members will need new common structures, but the continent should well be able to hold its own. Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will play a key role.