Security is the central focus, resembling a “coalition of the surrounded” rather than a “coalition of the willing.” A German security official noted that if the U.S. now mediates between Russia and Europe, it does not view itself as a NATO partner.
Practically, the U.S. remains the alliance’s driving force. A German military figure acknowledged, “Europe’s readiness to combat Russian aggression is lacking, making us reliant on the U.S.”
This realization should have come in February when VP JD Vance made provocative statements at the Munich Security Conference, criticizing European democracies and announcing the U.S.’s shift from past alliances. It’s surprising that the Trump administration’s actions have been unexpected.
Some hope this isn’t Washington’s unified stance, believing others in the administration have influence. However, security planners in Germany or the U.K. don’t share this view, and many politicians and the public remain unconvinced of the seriousness.
Alarm grew with the second Trump administration’s National Security Strategy, criticizing liberal European democratic values and endorsing far-right, nationalist rhetoric akin to Putin’s.
The narrative has shifted from German reluctance due to postwar guilt or pacifism to newfound determination, yet its depth is questioned.
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