A Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy: New National Security Strategy Signals Change in European Relations

The recent release of the United States’ National Security Strategy (NSS) marks a significant departure from the long-standing commitment to uphold a rules-based international order, particularly in relation to Europe. The document suggests that America no longer views itself as a champion of shared democratic values, raising concerns about future alliances and geopolitical stability.

Why It Matters

The implications of the NSS are profound, as they signal a potential shift in the U.S. approach to global alliances, economic partnerships, and shared values. With rising authoritarianism and internal dissent across Europe, the new strategy raises questions about the future of transatlantic unity and cooperation in addressing shared threats, notably from Russia and other geopolitical rivals.

Key Developments

• The NSS, published in December, critiques the existing rules-based international order, questioning its legitimacy.
• Vice-President JD Vance indicated that Europe’s threats may stem more from internal forces than external ones in a speech at the Munich Security Conference.
• The NSS advocates for a focus on nation-state sovereignty over supranational organizations, rejecting extensive commitments to global institutions.
• The strategy highlights the need for European nations to bolster their own defense capabilities and suggests the U.S. may no longer influence authoritarian regimes to improve their human rights practices.
• The document describes America’s role as that of a pre-eminent power in the Western Hemisphere, echoing the Monroe Doctrine.

Full Report

Changing International Landscape

The NSS reflects a pronounced skepticism toward international institutions perceived as anti-American. Former officials have voiced that the global landscape now significantly includes China as a key factor in U.S. foreign policy, reshaping priorities once dominated by post-World War II dynamics.

In light of these changes, Vance’s remarks regarding internal threats to European democracy draw attention to the fracturing of traditional alliances. The French publication Le Monde characterized his speech as an ideological declaration of war against Europe, emphasizing a growing rift.

America’s Stance on Sovereignty

The NSS explicitly states that the U.S. intends to prioritize the rights of individual nations, calling into question the supportive role historically afforded to transnational entities like the United Nations and NATO. It implies a move away from collaboration with partners perceived as undermining nationalism in favor of a more unilateral approach to international affairs.

Implications for Europe

The strategy raises concerns about the reliability of European allies, suggesting possible shifts in alignment and questioning their future viability as partners in security. The document asserts that some NATO members may soon become majority non-European, signaling a potential crisis in long-term commitments to collective defense.

Moreover, the NSS hints at fostering nationalist movements within Europe, promoting "patriotic parties" as a means to correct what it sees as a detrimental trajectory. This approach risks alienating European nations already grappling with internal divisions and external pressures, particularly from Russia.

A New Military Engagement Strategy

The NSS underscores a renewed emphasis on U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, with the ongoing geopolitical influence of China cited as a primary concern. The document calls for maintaining strategic control over critical regions like the Panama Canal—a historic site of U.S. interests.

A Cautionary Note on Autonomy

Experts caution about the feasibility of Europe achieving significant defense independence from the U.S. in the near term. European nations have become heavily reliant on U.S. support for security, complicating any potential shift towards self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.

Context & Previous Events

The roots of current U.S.-European relations can be traced back to President Harry Truman’s 1947 speech, which initiated an era of transatlantic partnership focused on democratic values. For decades, this framework was reinforced by commitments to collective defense and mutual obligations through organizations like NATO, the World Bank, and the United Nations. The new NSS, however, indicates a shift away from this long-standing diplomatic approach and raises critical questions about future U.S. engagement with its European allies.