The US is putting a new world order on the table, one based on autocracy, the use of force, and nativism.
For the transatlantic relationship, the result has been fusing threats to sovereignty with the promotion of far-right forces that are a threat to democracy, and pushing tech deregulation.
As the norms and laws European democracies stand for – democracy, human rights, the rule of law – already strained after years of far-right influence, come under further pressure, Europe struggles to defend them.
Jan 8, 2026 13:59Europe's crippling security dependency on the US means Eur leaders self-censor out of fear of compromising their own or Ukraine’s security. As long as Europe is limited by the military capabilities it can deploy independently, this dependence will cloud any course of action or response to US policy.
What Europe needs is to urgently deepen and strengthen partnerships with genuine allies, found in Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and other remaining liberal democracies, who have an interest in maintaining a rules-based order and can help counter the US's alternative order.
