Europe's 'Painful' Realisation: Need for Greater Assertiveness with US
A stark report prepared for the Munich Security Conference has declared that Europe has come to a painful realisation: it must become more assertive and militarily independent from the United States, particularly under an authoritarian Trump administration that no longer shares a commitment to liberal democratic norms and values. The report sets the stage for a significant ideological confrontation at the high-level annual meeting of security policy specialists, which commences this Friday.
Ideological Clashes and Historical Tensions
The divide between Europe and the US was highlighted last year when US Vice-President JD Vance, in a now infamous speech at the Munich Security Conference, accused European elites of suppressing free speech and enabling mass migration. This address marked a pivotal moment, signalling to Europe that the Trump administration would not be a reliable partner in trade and security. Since then, European leaders and Trump's team have engaged in ongoing disputes over issues such as US pressure on Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia, Trump's threats to seize Greenland, and a series of protectionist measures including tariff barriers and investment bans.
This rift was further emphasised in a speech by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, where he warned of a deepening rupture between the US and its Western allies. Vance's critique of Europe's decline was echoed in the latest US national security strategy, which accused European leaders of overseeing "civilisational erasure." More recently, Trump disparaged the courage of European NATO members during the Afghanistan conflict, remarks that caused profound offence among Europe's military leadership.
Polling and Perceptions of US Leadership
Polling commissioned for the report indicates that Europeans are increasingly willing to operate without US leadership, with many asserting it is no longer necessary. The report accuses Trump of having a lust for destruction and aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It states, "Most of Europe is watching the United States' descent into 'competitive authoritarianism' with rising concern or even horror, wondering how resilient US democracy really is." The document argues that the US has abandoned the liberal principles that supported the postwar order, potentially ushering in a post-American era.
Call for Bold Action and Innovation
The report urges European leaders to adapt to the tactics of the Trump administration by becoming more daring in decision-making and communication. It criticises reliance on "sterile communiqués, predictable conferences, and cautious diplomacy" as ineffective against more ruthless and innovative opponents. Instead, it advocates for proactive measures: "In an era of wrecking-ball politics, those who simply stand by are at constant risk of entombment. And given the amount of demolition already happening, it is no longer enough to only engage in reactive, small-scale efforts to reconstruct the old status quo. Those who oppose the politics of destruction have to fortify essential structures, draw up new, more sustainable designs, and become bold builders themselves."
Pushback Against Accusations and Strategic Shifts
The report also challenges Vance's claims that European elites are authoritarian censors. It notes that while Trump administration figures have criticised the EU and Ukraine over democratic values, they have largely avoided harsh condemnation of Moscow, despite Russia's domestic repression and international aggression. The new US national security strategy notably omits a dedicated section on Russia, contrasting with the Biden administration's view of supporting Ukraine as both a strategic interest and moral duty. The report concludes that Europe's dependence on US military support is reaching its limits, forcing a reassessment of autonomy in defence and trade policies.
