For 80 years, what bound the United States to Europe was a shared commitment to defence and a common set of values: a commitment to defend democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
This relationship was articulated in President Harry Truman's 18-minute speech in March 1947, where he pledged support to defend Europe against the Soviet Union. The advent of NATO, the UN, and the IMF defined a 'rules-based international order' that was meant to protect democratic values. However, the latest U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS), released in December, signifies a striking shift in American policy, hinting at the end of this shared endeavour.
The NSS questions the legitimacy of the 'rules-based international order', suggesting an ideological departure from the post-World War II consensus. Vice President JD Vance has openly claimed that the primary threat to Europe comes not from external forces like Russia but from internal societal divisions, framed as a battle against 'leftist liberal networks.'
This ideological shift has been interpreted by many analysts as a proposal for a new framework where America seeks to foster 'patriotic' movements within Europe, reflecting a deeper alignment with nationalist sentiments. This poses significant questions about the future viability of NATO and America's commitment to European security.
Moreover, the NSS emphasizes a muscular reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America, affirming U.S. supremacy in the region and signaling a desire to roll back Chinese influence. The implications for Europe are twofold: the uncertainty of U.S. support at a time when Russia is considered a growing threat and a rejection of the European Union's regulatory authority as a challenge to national sovereignty.
The review describes Europe’s trajectory as one of 'economic decline' and civilizational change—concerns that underpin the NSS's vision for a potent and ideationally aligned Europe. This troubling narrative is compounded by suggestions that certain NATO countries could soon become majority non-European, leading to questions regarding their reliability as allies.
As European leaders grapple with the shifting terrain of transatlantic relations, there are growing calls for European nations to increase their defense spending, moving away from dependence on the U.S. This transition poses its own set of challenges, as Europe seeks to recalibrate its defense policies in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical landscape.
Ultimately, the new NSS not only signifies a strategic pivot for the U.S. but also raises profound questions about the future of democracy, military alliances, and the foundational values that have historically bound Europe and America together.
