It's Over, It's Done
When it comes to who will lead the continent, there are no alternatives to Germany and France. The two strongest European powers must take the initiative and fill the void created by America's withdrawal.
TL;DR
- President Trump's actions indicate a desire to end the North Atlantic alliance, potentially by withdrawing the US from NATO or emptying it of meaning.
- The erosion of trust in the alliance's core principles, particularly mutual defense, has begun, exacerbated by Europe's non-participation in a US-led Middle East conflict.
- Europe's security and stability were historically guaranteed by US presence, which enabled economic integration and the formation of the EU.
- The withdrawal of the US from Europe after WWI contributed to the rise of Hitler and WWII, a lesson learned in the post-WWII era with Truman maintaining US presence.
- Germany and France are identified as the key powers that must now lead Europe and fill the void left by American withdrawal.
- The article suggests that the transatlantic relationship and the idea of the West will need to be redefined once the 'MAGA fever' subsides.