The symbiotic relationship that made “the West” strong has been fractured, says commentator Holger Stark in Zelt Online in his editorial “Goodbye America.”
Let’s break down what he shared, what he has right, where he might be showing a bit of naivete, and why the diplomatic earthquake creating a fault that would be the San Andreas to shame is a national security concern to Europe, NATO, and the United States.
The End of the West Europe and the United States have drifted apart, with little common ground left, particularly in shared values. The end of the West as we know it is marked by recent events. A decade ago, during the height of the NSA affair, former Chancellor Angela Merkel famously remarked, “Spying among friends, that’s just not done.” This statement was based on the idealized notion that Germany and the United States were true friends, a misconception that was shattered by revelations of U.S. surveillance on Merkel.
Secretary of State Henry Stimson famously said, “Gentlemen don’t read each other’s mail,” when he shut down the “Black Chamber” code-breaking effort within the State Department in 1929. yet they do when it is in their national interest.
Shifting Alliances
The transatlantic relationship has undergone a painful transformation, signifying the end of the West as we know it. Europe and the United States are no longer allies but have become loose partners, a relationship that is currently strained. The Munich Security Conference highlighted the extent of this discomfort among German and European politicians.
Common Values Diminished
The idea of an alliance, once held together by larger common values, has weakened. These values included combating the Soviet Union, preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, and fighting together in NATO, especially after the 9/11 attacks. Soldiers from Germany, Estonia, Denmark, and the United States once fought side by side, embodying the motto “one for all, all for one.”
Trump’s Impact on NATO
The erosion of these common values accelerated with Donald Trump’s return to the White House. His early actions included threats against NATO partners and a disregard for mutual defense commitments. This imperialistic rhetoric suggests that NATO may soon need to defend itself against aggressors within its ranks.
Vance’s Controversial Speech
At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a blunt speech, asserting that the greatest threat to democracy comes from within, citing Europe’s restrictions on free speech and perceived disregard for the people’s will. This perspective is ironic given the historical context of U.S. interventions in other countries.
Future Challenges for Europe
Europe faces challenging times ahead. Vance’s speech could be seen as a prelude to a campaign against the regulation of global tech giants and upcoming trade disputes. Europe may have to make strategic agreements with countries like China and reconsider the U.S. military presence on its soil. In a world increasingly governed by the law of the strong, Europe must navigate its path to maintain its essential power.
What may tomorrow bring for Europe?
After the Trump administration has dumped a ton of trash into the proverbial punch bowl, there is a notable lack of taste for the United States. The pan-European meeting on February 17 in Paris may be the new beginning of European security, or if the countries wrap themselves in self-interest, the end of Europe as we know it. What is certain, based on the initial readout, is that Ukraine is not being abandoned by its European brethren.
