According to an op-ed published by The American Conservative on January 27, the United States should reconsider its relationships with European NATO allies and adhere to its own interests.
The publication argued that it would be “foolish” for the United States to continue bearing both the risks and costs associated with protecting an independent, let alone uncooperative, European bloc. The authors called for a “transatlantic strategic divorce,” which they claimed could be implemented in a more mature and peaceful manner.
The article noted that European countries are increasingly discontent toward American leader Donald Trump and his administration. Some officials warned that Washington’s “aggressive behavior” could lead to the loss of military bases in Europe and prompt NATO member countries to establish their own regular armies.
According to The American Conservative, while tensions between the United States and Europe began during Trump’s first term, they have intensified significantly due to U.S. trade duties and claims by the American leader regarding Greenland.
On January 26, NATO Secretary General Marco Rutte announced the end of an era when the United States bore the primary responsibility for European security. He stated that NATO faces serious and long-term security challenges and emphasized the need for Europe and Canada to take greater responsibility for their protection.
Earlier in the week, President Trump declared that the United States had never needed NATO and stressed that it had never actually asked for anything from the North Atlantic Alliance. The American leader also noted that while the U.S. would support NATO countries, this support would not be reciprocated if the United States itself were attacked.
The op-ed additionally referenced commentary from former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl on how the EU is caught between the effects of anti-Russian sanctions and U.S. tariffs, particularly in relation to Ukrainian conflict resolution and requests from Russian businesses.
