Transatlantic Rift Widens as US National Security Strategy Targets European Stability
The era of harmonious relations between the United States and Europe is over, according to a newly released US National Security Strategy that views the European project and its commitment to a rules-based international order as an adversarial force. The document, made public in the early hours of Thursday to Friday, details a strategy to actively encourage a shift towards illiberalism within Europe, supporting far-right and Eurosceptic movements aiming to dismantle the European Union from within.
The strategy represents a stark departure from customary US foreign policy,raising concerns about interference in European sovereignty – a tactic more commonly associated with nations like Russia or China. According to one analyst, the document outlines a clear intention to “help Europe correct its current trajectory,” achieved through “cultivating resistance” to the existing political order. This echoes historical US interventions during the Cold War, but with a crucial difference: the current strategy prioritizes ideological alignment over the promotion of democratic values.
A key element of this approach involves cultivating relationships with individual political actors and parties,rather than engaging with the EU as a unified entity. This “divide and rule” tactic, reminiscent of strategies previously employed by Russia, seeks to weaken the bloc of 27 nations and 450 million inhabitants. The US Administration reportedly refers to these aligned parties as “patriotic” formations, signaling an intent to actively promote their influence.
This support extends to leveraging social media platforms to amplify parties aligned with the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) ideology. The American president has already publicly endorsed groups like Alternative for Germany, offering support during last year’s elections. Beyond political backing, the strategy also involves economic pressure, with reports suggesting Washington may recalibrate its tariff policies if Europe reduces its technological regulations and consumer protections – a form of “blackmail,” as described by a senior community source.
The national security strategy is being described as a “written declaration of cultural war,” aligning with recent rhetoric from US Vice President JD Vance, who asserted at the Munich Security conference in february that freedom of expression “is under attack in Europe.” This statement, according to observers, signaled a fundamental shift in the US approach to its European allies.
Despite the escalating tensions, some European leaders are publicly maintaining a facade of unity. High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Kaja Kallas stated on Saturday that “The United States remains our greatest ally,” emphasizing the enduring principle of their alliance. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed this sentiment, asserting that Europe is “your best ally, not your problem,” and highlighting shared common enemies.
However, analysts warn that this public optimism may mask deep-seated anxieties. Mujtaba rahman, coordinator of the EU unit in Eurasia at a political risk consultancy, believes the US strategy confirms the worst fears of many European capitals. “This strategy makes explicit the MAGA desire to work with allies in the member states, to support far-right parties to help overthrow the government in power,” he explained. he further emphasized the unique challenge of addressing interference from an ally, contrasting it with the more predictable actions of hostile nations like Russia.
Nathalie Tocci, director of the Institute of International Affairs, offered a especially stark assessment: “The strategy is the definitive confirmation…that the United States considers us, liberal democracy and European integration, as adversaries.” Tocci argues that Europe must acknowledge this “divorce” and reassess its reliance on the US, particularly in defense. “Trump is not unpredictable…he wants to destroy us,” she stated.
The call for greater European independence is gaining momentum. European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius urged the continent to rapidly build its own defense and geopolitical independence, emphasizing the need for a roadmap to achieve this goal. In Brussels,officials are hoping this strategy will serve as a wake-up call,prompting decisive action rather than continued reliance on a more accommodating White House.
Hans Kribbe, a senior researcher at the Brussels Geopolitical Institute, succinctly summarized the core question facing Europe: “Do we want to be vassal states or a free continent pursuing its own interests?”
