Across European capitals, a dangerous political calculus is taking hold. Rather than confronting the rising tide of far-right populism, mainstream leaders are increasingly adopting a strategy of appeasement – a move that analysts warn is playing directly into the hands of Donald Trump and his anti-European agenda.
The Accommodation Strategy Backfires
As Europe braces for a potential second Trump presidency, its political establishment finds itself in a precarious position. The conventional wisdom that accommodating far-right demands would neutralise their threat has proven fundamentally flawed. Instead, this approach has:
- Legitimised extremist rhetoric by bringing it into mainstream discourse
- Weakened European unity ahead of crucial negotiations with Washington
- Created policy paralysis on critical issues from Ukraine to climate change
A Divided Front Strengthens Trump's Hand
The consequences of this fragmentation are already becoming apparent. European nations, once capable of presenting a united front against American protectionism, now approach transatlantic relations with increasing divergence. This internal division represents a significant strategic victory for Trump, who has long advocated for bilateral deals that favour US interests.
"The attempt to co-opt the far-right's agenda has backfired spectacularly," observes one Brussels insider. "Instead of containing the populist wave, mainstream parties have become its unwitting amplifiers."
The Illusion of Control
Political leaders from Berlin to Paris have operated under the mistaken belief that they could harness far-right energy while maintaining control over the political narrative. This miscalculation has created a situation where:
- Core democratic values are being compromised for short-term political gain
- European strategic autonomy is being eroded from within
- The continent's ability to withstand external pressure is diminishing
An Uncertain Future for European Solidarity
As the United States moves closer to another potentially disruptive administration, Europe's internal divisions threaten to leave it vulnerable on multiple fronts. The very institutions that have guaranteed peace and prosperity since World War II now face their greatest challenge from within their own political systems.
The coming months will test whether European leaders can rediscover the courage of their convictions or whether the politics of appeasement will continue to weaken the continent's standing on the global stage.
