A rift between the United States and Europe is no longer a theoretical concern discussed only in academic journals or closed-door diplomatic forums. It is now a visible and growing reality, marked by public disputes, sharp rhetoric, and policy divergences that were almost unthinkable a decade ago. Yet despite the depth of the current tensions, a fundamental question remains unanswered: is a US–Europe rift inevitable, or is it the product of political choices that can still be reversed?

At stake is nothing less than the future of the transatlantic alliance, a relationship that has underpinned global security, economic stability, and the rules-based international order since the end of the Second World War. When this alliance weakens, neither Washington nor Europe truly benefits. Instead, the primary winners are those powers that see the Western alliance as an obstacle to their own strategic ambitions-notably China and Russia.

For over seven decades, the US–Europe partnership has been the backbone of what is commonly referred to as “the West.” NATO provided collective security, while economic institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and later the WTO were shaped by shared transatlantic values. Even when disagreements emerged-over Vietnam, Iraq, or trade disputes-they were managed within a framework of mutual respect and shared strategic purpose.

This alliance is not merely sentimental or historical. It is deeply practical. European security still relies heavily on American military power, particularly in the nuclear domain. The United States, in turn, depends on European allies for forward deployment, intelligence sharing, legitimacy in global crises, and economic partnership. Together, the US and Europe account for a significant share of global GDP, technological innovation, and military capability.

When cracks appear in this structure, they reverberate globally. Beijing and Moscow closely monitor every transatlantic dispute, knowing that a divided West is far easier to challenge than a united one. It is therefore unsurprising that tensions between Washington and its NATO allies are often greeted with quiet satisfaction in both capitals.

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