This week at the NATO meeting, one thing was clear: General Secretary Mark Rutte appeared as the mediator between the US and Europe. Currently, Donald Trump seems agreeable to remain in NATO, albeit with conditions. It's not just about NATO; after a long time, America and Europe appear divided into separate camps. Their once common friends and foes are now evolving. Are these distances temporary until the end of Trump's term, or has the chemistry between them truly vanished?
To comprehend the growing US-Europe divide, let's revisit their journey toward alliance. Initially, they were distinct entities, neither friends nor foes. True partnership emerged post-World War II, when the US, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union (now Russia) collectively defeated Germany and Japan. Europe was devastated by the war, while the Soviet Union grew stronger.
During this time, Washington launched the Marshall Plan to economically empower Europe, coupled with NATO's formation for military responsibilities. Shared interests and threats, like the Soviet Union, began to appear. Europe was vulnerable and fearful, while America was powerful and unwilling to relinquish its supremacy.
Source: aajtak
During the Cold War, the US-Europe mantra was 'an attack on one is an attack on all.' Most decisions were joint throughout this period. The shared enemy vanished in the 1990s with the Soviet disintegration. America shifted focus to the Middle East, China, and Afghanistan, while Europe faced troubles like the refugee surge.
Over time, distances between America and Europe widened. The US maintained superpower status, whereas Europe weakened. Trump's threats to exit NATO in his second term shook Europe. They're worried, especially since the Russia-Ukraine conflict has dragged on for over three years. Europe and the US have backed Ukraine, but if the US pulls back, Ukraine would be weakened. This would allow Russia to advance into Europe, unsettling neighboring nations about their turn.
On the other hand, America's approach diverges distinctly. Gradually adopting a neutral stance, recent instances show Trump praising Putin or avoiding critique. The US hesitates to confront Russia directly, with growing concerns about China as a regional challenge. Preserving its superpower role, America is less concerned with overseeing Europe.
Source: aajtak
Meanwhile, Europe remains stagnant, with fears exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict. They worry that unchecked Russian advancement could threaten other European nation's borders. Consequently, all European nations, big and small, assist Kyiv and impose sanctions on Russia.
As their paths diverge, global balance may shift, weakening the role of several global institutions. - With China a threat to the US and Russia a potential nemesis for Europe, NATO's foundation is shaking. Tensions over funding are already visible. - Discord among major nations may diminish the effectiveness of entities like the UN and alter veto usages. - The US's focus on the Indo-Pacific suggests improving ties with nations like India, Japan, or Australia, while Europe might be sidelined. - Divergent US-Europe decisions could have lasting impacts on trade and currency in the future.
