Global Research, January 21, 2025
Introduction
The transatlantic alliance, often hailed as a cornerstone of global security and a symbol of unity between North America and Europe, is showing signs of strain as the United States increasingly pressures its European allies to align with its confrontational stance toward Russia. This evolving dynamic has been amplified by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a war that has not only tested the resolve of NATO but also highlighted diverging priorities within the alliance.
European nations find themselves in a precarious position, caught between their longstanding security commitments to NATO and the United States, and the complex web of economic and political realities that define their relationships with Russia and the broader global community. The heavy reliance on Russian energy, deeply entrenched trade ties, and public sentiment within various European countries further complicate their ability to fully embrace the U.S.-led approach without significant domestic repercussions.
This imbalance in the transatlantic relationship is fueling growing concerns about sovereignty and strategic autonomy in Europe. Many European leaders and policymakers are beginning to question whether their alignment with U.S. priorities is compatible with their own national interests and long-term goals. This is particularly evident in debates over defense spending, the reconfiguration of energy policies, and the broader strategic reorientation needed to address emerging global challenges, including China’s rising influence.
Ultimately, the current strains within the transatlantic alliance pose significant risks to the long-term stability and cohesion of Europe. If the United States and its European allies cannot reconcile their differences and establish a more balanced and mutually respectful partnership, the alliance may struggle to adapt to an increasingly multipolar world. This raises pressing questions about the future of European sovereignty, the role of NATO, and the broader architecture of global security in the decades to come.
Historical Context of US-European Relations
Since the end of World War II, the United States has played a pivotal role in shaping European security policy, cementing itself as the primary architect of Western defense strategies. The devastation of the war left much of Europe in ruins, both economically and militarily, creating a power vacuum that the U.S. was uniquely positioned to fill. Institutions like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949, became the cornerstone of transatlantic security, designed to counterbalance the growing influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The U.S. provided the lion’s share of military and financial resources, ensuring the defense of Western Europe against the perceived threat of communist expansion.
This American leadership, however, often came with an implicit expectation: European nations were to align with Washington’s geopolitical strategies, even when such alignment conflicted with their own national or regional interests. In practice, this meant that Europe’s foreign and defense policies were frequently subordinated to the broader strategic goals of the United States. While this dynamic fostered a sense of security and stability during the Cold War, it also constrained Europe’s ability to pursue an independent path, particularly in areas where its interests diverged from those of Washington.
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a transformative moment in US-European relations, offering an opportunity for Europe to recalibrate its approach to security and its relationship with Russia. With the immediate threat of Soviet power removed, many European nations sought to normalize ties with Moscow, recognizing their geographic proximity, intertwined histories, and the potential for economic partnership. However, the United States continued to view Russia through a lens of strategic rivalry, perceiving it as a potential challenger to Western hegemony rather than a partner in a new post-Cold War order.
This perspective significantly influenced NATO’s policies in the ensuing decades, most notably its eastward expansion. The inclusion of former Eastern Bloc countries and Baltic states into NATO—a policy actively promoted by Washington—was viewed by Moscow as a direct encroachment on its sphere of influence and a violation of informal assurances given during the negotiations for German reunification. For Russia, this expansion symbolized the West’s unwillingness to accommodate its security concerns and reinforced its narrative of encirclement by hostile forces.
For many European nations, this created a complex dilemma. On one hand, their security commitments to NATO and their dependence on American military support necessitated alignment with U.S. policies. On the other hand, their geographical proximity to Russia and, in many cases, historical and economic ties to Moscow required a more definitive approach. This tension has persisted, manifesting in debates over energy dependency, trade policies, and the appropriate response to Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.
As Europe grapples with these challenges, the historical context of its relationship with the United States underscores a recurring theme: the struggle to balance transatlantic solidarity with the pursuit of its own strategic autonomy. This tension continues to shape the contours of European security policy and its broader role on the global stage.
The Ukraine Conflict and Escalating Tensions
The conflict in Ukraine has brought the underlying tensions within the transatlantic alliance into sharp focus. For the United States, the war has been framed as a defining moment in the global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, with Russia’s invasion seen as a direct challenge to the post-World War II international order. Washington has urged its European allies to adopt a hardline stance against Moscow, rallying support for a robust response that includes sweeping economic sanctions, the provision of military aid to Ukraine, and an enhanced NATO presence on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Initially, many European nations responded with unity and resolve. The shock of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to an unprecedented level of coordination within NATO, with countries pledging military support to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Moscow. European leaders presented a united front, emphasizing the need to uphold international law and deter what they interpret as “Russian expansionism”. However, as the conflict has dragged on, the economic and political costs of these policies have begun to strain the alliance, exposing underlying divisions.
The economic consequences of sanctions against Russia have been particularly severe for Europe, which has borne the brunt of the fallout. Energy prices have skyrocketed, exacerbating inflation and placing significant pressure on European economies. Germany, once heavily reliant on Russian natural gas, has faced the dual challenge of finding alternative energy sources and transitioning to renewables at an accelerated pace. This shift has come at a steep cost, impacting industries and households alike, and raising questions about the sustainability of its current energy policy.
Meanwhile, other European nations have expressed concerns about the uneven distribution of the burdens associated with the conflict. Southern European countries, such as Italy, Spain, and Greece, which are less directly exposed to the Russian threat, have questioned the proportionality of their contributions to sanctions and military aid. For these nations, the economic consequences of the conflict—rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation—are felt acutely, leading to growing skepticism about the long-term benefits of their involvement.
The war has also highlighted differences in strategic priorities within the alliance. Eastern European countries, including Poland and the Baltic states, view the conflict as an existential threat and have been among the most vocal supporters of a strong NATO response. In contrast, EU-member countries, such as Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, have occasionally pushed for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, reflecting their historical preference for engagement with Moscow and concerns about the risks of a prolonged confrontation.
These divisions have underscored the broader challenge facing the transatlantic alliance: how to maintain unity in the face of differing national interests and varying levels of exposure to the conflict. While the United States continues to advocate for a resolute approach, the economic and political realities in Europe have made it increasingly difficult to sustain a cohesive strategy. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine thus serves as both a test of NATO’s resilience and a revealing indicator of the complexities inherent in the US-European relationship.
It’s Irrational and Destructive for European Countries to “Toe the U.S. Line” in the Ukraine War
Unequal Burdens and Growing Resentment
The United States has consistently urged its European allies to increase their defense spending and take on a greater share of NATO’s collective responsibilities, emphasizing that the security of the alliance should not rest solely on American shoulders. While these calls are not new, the pressure has escalated significantly in the context of the Ukraine conflict, with Washington pushing for more military aid to Ukraine and tougher sanctions against Russia. However, these demands often fail to take into account the unique challenges faced by individual European nations, particularly those that are smaller or economically vulnerable.
For many European countries, the expectation of increased defense spending is a heavy burden. While wealthier nations such as Germany and the United Kingdom have more capacity to meet these demands, smaller economies, such as those in Eastern and Southern Europe, struggle to allocate additional resources to defense without compromising domestic priorities like social welfare, healthcare, or infrastructure. For these countries, the cost of maintaining a robust military presence and contributing to NATO’s defense initiatives is a significant financial strain, especially as the conflict in Ukraine continues to deplete national budgets.
Moreover, the economic fallout from the war has compounded the difficulty for European nations in sustaining military expenditures. The decoupling from Russian energy supplies, particularly natural gas, has forced many countries to find alternative energy sources, often at higher costs. The transition to new suppliers, the increased reliance on more expensive energy alternatives, and the instability of global energy markets have resulted in soaring energy prices across Europe. These economic pressures are felt disproportionately in smaller countries or those with less diversified economies, making it even more challenging for them to increase defense spending while simultaneously addressing domestic economic turmoil.
The economic impact of the war and the subsequent imposition of sanctions on Russia have contributed to growing resentment within European societies. While countries in Eastern Europe, such as Poland and the Baltic states, view Russia as an immediate and existential threat, the priorities of Western and Southern Europe differ. In countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece, there is a rising sense of frustration over the perceived imbalance between the military and economic burdens being borne by different members of the alliance. These nations are more concerned about the war’s direct consequences on their domestic stability, such as rising inflation, increased poverty rates, and weakened industries, than about the broader geopolitical struggle with Russia.
European public opinion is far from monolithic on the matter. In countries where the impact of the war has been less direct, such as in Southern Europe, there is a growing skepticism about the wisdom of continued support for Ukraine, especially if it means enduring further economic hardships. In contrast, Eastern European nations, which are more directly threatened by Russian aggression, overwhelmingly support the hardline stance advocated by the United States, even at the cost of their economic well-being. This division of perspectives has sparked tensions within the European Union and NATO, as nations with differing priorities clash over the best course of action.
These disparities in both economic capacity and strategic priorities are contributing to a broader sense of frustration and growing resentment within the transatlantic alliance. For many smaller European nations, the pressure to shoulder an unequal share of the burden is creating fissures in their relationship with the U.S. and among themselves. There is an increasing sense that Europe is being asked to bear a disproportionate share of the risks and costs, without corresponding recognition or support for the challenges they face at home. This situation has the potential to strain the unity of NATO and the EU in the long run, particularly if the economic and political repercussions of the war continue to intensify. The risk of alienation and disillusionment among European countries could ultimately erode the cohesiveness of the alliance, making it more difficult to maintain a unified front in the face of Russian aggression.
The Risks of Overreach
The United States’ approach to the Ukraine conflict risks alienating key European allies, potentially undermining the very unity it seeks to foster within both NATO and the European Union. By pressuring Europe to adopt policies that prioritize American strategic interests over the specific economic, political, and security realities faced by individual European countries, Washington runs the risk of inadvertently fueling resentment and skepticism about the alliance. The perception that the U.S. is using Europe as a proxy to achieve its broader geopolitical objectives—particularly in regard to containing Russia—could deepen existing divisions and erode trust among European nations.
For many European countries, the U.S. approach to the Ukraine conflict, with its emphasis on military escalation and harsh sanctions, is seen as detached from the realities they face on the ground. While the U.S. views the war largely through the lens of containing Russian influence and protecting the US-imposed international order, European nations, particularly those in Central and Eastern Europe, are more concerned with the long-term social and economic repercussions of the conflict. In contrast, Western European nations, which historically have had a more complex relationship with Russia, are more inclined to seek diplomatic solutions that avoid the further escalation of hostilities. By pushing these nations into an American-dominated narrative of confrontation, the U.S. risks alienating them, leading to divisions within NATO and the EU.
The perception that the U.S. is pursuing its own interests at the expense of European well-being could fuel growing disillusionment within the transatlantic alliance. Many European countries are already feeling the strain of the economic fallout from the war, particularly in terms of energy prices and inflation, and may increasingly view American policies as exacerbating their domestic difficulties. This could create resentment, especially among nations that feel pressured to align with U.S. strategies without receiving sufficient recognition or support for the unique challenges they face. If European countries begin to feel as though they are being asked to act merely as extensions of American foreign policy, the long-term stability of NATO and the EU could be at risk, as divisions over the handling of Russia grow.
Additionally, the U.S.’s heavy focus on military solutions and punitive measures against Russia leaves little room for diplomacy, which is crucial for the long-term resolution of the conflict. Europe, with its deep historical and geographical ties to Russia, is uniquely positioned to serve as a mediator and advocate for diplomatic solutions that consider the legitimate security concerns of all parties involved.
However, the role of European nations as diplomatic actors is diminished when they are seen as merely echoing Washington’s agenda, sidelining their own national interests and historical perspectives on Russia.
European leaders, particularly in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, have consistently advocated for dialogue with Moscow, recognizing that a prolonged confrontation with Russia could have severe long-term consequences for European security and stability. However, as NATO’s policies increasingly reflect Washington’s confrontational approach, European countries are finding it more difficult to assert their own diplomatic positions, both within NATO and on the global stage. This imbalance threatens to reduce Europe’s influence in shaping the future direction of the conflict, while also diminishing its role as a key player in international diplomacy.
Toward a More Balanced Partnership
The risks of overreach, therefore, go beyond simply creating fractures within NATO and the EU. By sidelining European perspectives in favor of an exclusively American-driven strategy, the U.S. could unintentionally destabilize the very alliances it depends on to maintain global security. If the perception of Washington’s unilateralism continues to grow, it could lead to a scenario in which European nations, feeling marginalized, increasingly seek to chart their own course in dealing with Russia and other global challenges, further eroding the cohesion of the transatlantic alliance. The long-term consequence could be a Europe that is less united, less secure, and less aligned with U.S. interests in the geopolitical landscape.
For the transatlantic alliance to remain effective and resilient in the face of contemporary global challenges, it must evolve into a more balanced and mutually respectful partnership that recognizes and respects Europe’s sovereignty and unique challenges. This transformation requires a shift away from the current dynamic, where the United States often sets the agenda and European countries are expected to follow suit, regardless of their own national interests. A more equitable relationship would involve the U.S. actively listening to its European allies, acknowledging their diverse perspectives, and making room for alternative approaches that reflect the varying circumstances and priorities within the European continent.
One of the critical elements of this more balanced partnership is recognizing that Europe’s security landscape is not homogenous. European nations have different historical experiences, economic realities, and geopolitical concerns. For instance, countries in Eastern Europe that have lived under Soviet domination often prioritize defense and military deterrence. In contrast, Western European countries which share a longer history of diplomatic engagement with Russia, tend to focus more on fostering dialogue and pursuing diplomatic solutions. By accommodating these differences and allowing European nations to pursue strategies aligned with their national interests, the U.S. can ensure that the transatlantic alliance remains united without stifling the agency and autonomy of its European partners.
The U.S. must move beyond a one-size-fits-all strategy, particularly when dealing with complex issues like the conflict in Ukraine. While it is crucial for the U.S. and Europe to present a unified front on key issues, the alignment should come from mutual respect and shared interests, not from external pressure or imposed solutions. For the alliance to retain its strength and legitimacy, both sides need to demonstrate flexibility and openness to compromise. This may involve the U.S. reframing its approach to NATO’s eastward expansion, taking into account the security concerns of Russia and the broader European desire for stability, or it could mean revisiting the balance between military and diplomatic solutions in addressing the conflict in Ukraine. Ultimately, the goal should be to work in partnership, rather than in opposition, allowing for the inclusion of European voices in shaping the alliance’s strategic direction.
Conclusion
Europe, for its part, must assert greater agency in defining its strategic priorities and ambitions. While NATO and the EU remain integral to European security and political cohesion, Europe cannot afford to be merely a follower in a global order shaped primarily by U.S. priorities. This requires Europe to invest more in its defense capabilities, not only to meet NATO’s defense spending targets but also to ensure that it can independently address threats and challenges in its neighborhood and beyond. Strengthening Europe’s military and technological capabilities would provide greater strategic autonomy, enabling European countries to contribute more equitably to global security without being overly reliant on U.S. support.
Additionally, Europe must foster open and constructive dialogue with Russia, recognizing that, despite the current crisis, long-term peace and stability in Europe can only be achieved through diplomatic engagement. Europe’s unique geographic and historical ties to Russia place it in a distinct position to mediate and address shared concerns with Moscow, particularly in terms of arms control, energy security, and regional stability. By emphasizing diplomacy alongside deterrence, Europe can play a pivotal role in defusing tensions and facilitating long-term solutions to conflicts in Eastern Europe and beyond.
This approach would not only reduce Europe’s dependence on the United States in matters of security but also reassert Europe’s role as a central actor in global affairs. Europe has the potential to be a bridge between East and West, helping to navigate the increasingly complex global order, which includes challenges posed by an assertive China, the evolving international economic system, and the resurgence of regional conflicts. By reclaiming its agency in foreign and defense policy, Europe can ensure that its interests are represented on the global stage, while also contributing to the creation of a more balanced, multi-polar world.
The transatlantic partnership has always been a cornerstone of global stability, but for it to remain relevant and effective in the 21st century, it must evolve into a more balanced and equitable relationship. Both the U.S. and Europe have unique roles to play, and by embracing a partnership that acknowledges their differences while promoting collaboration, the alliance can effectively deal the complexities of the modern geopolitical landscape. A more balanced partnership would not only strengthen transatlantic ties but also empower Europe to take on a more active and independent role in shaping global security and diplomacy.
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Prof. Ruel F. Pepa is a Filipino philosopher based in Madrid, Spain. A retired academic (Associate Professor IV), he taught Philosophy and Social Sciences for more than fifteen years at Trinity University of Asia, an Anglican university in the Philippines. He is a regular contributor to Global Research.
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