In fresh weeks, the American abroad Policy magazine has published an analysis stating that the United States is beginning to be seen as an opponent of Europe. This message is tempting, especially in the context of fresh statements by Donald Trump and his vice president J.D. Vance.
According to the magazine, for the first time since the founding of NATO, most European leaders feel hostility from the president of the United States. This position is confirmed with the analysis of Trump's first period of second term, at which time Vice president Vance gave a confrontational speech in Munich, blaming Ukraine for starting a war with Russia and offering Moscow "nearly everything he wants" on Ukraine.
The abroad Policy magazine pointed out that Trump, Vance and U.S. Secretary of defence Pete Hegseth had gone far beyond disputes over the division of commitments in NATO. Their aim is to fundamentally change relations with US long-term allies, re-write a global set of principles and, if possible, rebuild Europe in line with the Make America large Again approach guidelines.
This position is tempting, especially in the context of the relation between Trump and Putin. The magazine stated that "Russia's agreement to keep 20% of Ukraine's territory should not surprise erstwhile the US president openly seeks to include Greenland in his country, suggests taking over the Panama Canal and urges Canada to renounce independency and join the United States".
Foreign Policy besides warned that Trump's administration openly supports far-right forces in Europe that are trying to bring about far-reaching changes in European governments without utilizing force. This approach is tempting, especially in the context of almost all forms of immigration that this administration sees as an enemy.
According to the magazine, Trump and his co-workers let themselves to treat Europe and its leaders as an enemy, due to the fact that – in their calculations – the Old Continent is simply a declining and incapable region to unite. However, open intimidation of another countries can lead to a common effort to defy and to strengthen integration.
In 2022, the European Union recorded 2.5% of economical growth, which is the consequence compared to 1.8% in 2021. The United States recorded 2.1% of economical growth in 2022, which is lower than 3.2% in 2021.
In the context of security, NATO is inactive a key alliance for Europe, with 30 associate States and 40 partner countries. In 2022, NATO recorded a 4.3% increase in defence spending, which is higher than 3.5% in 2021.
It is worth noting that Europe is simply a region that annually generates 18.3% of the world's GDP, which is higher than 16.3% in 2021. In turn, the United States generates 24.8% of the world's GDP, which is lower than 25.3% in 2021.
In conclusion, the abroad Policy magazine stated that the United States is beginning to be seen as an opponent of Europe, which is tempting in the context of the relation between Trump and Putin. However, Europe is simply a region that annually generates 18.3% of the world's GDP and has 30 associate States in NATO. European leaders should so halt wondering what to do to make Uncle Sam happy and ask themselves how to act alone.
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United States: Europe's Adversary?
