It has become repetitive: with every American election, Europeans from all political backgrounds, whether or not they hold political or economic responsibilities, find themselves in a state of anxious anticipation over the results.
When confronted with Politico’s headline “Europe’s Trumpian Nightmare” and the added distress of statements like “A Trump win would send a tsunami of panic,” it’s essential to ground ourselves in rationality. Instead of succumbing to self-inflicted anxiety, we must seek a sustainable way forward.
My proposal for healing this recurring crisis of anxiety and despair is detailed below.
Europe Should Declare Independence from U.S. Tutelage
Europe, with its long history of power and dominion in navigation, discoveries, conquests, Enlightenment, and industrial revolution, now acts like an old, retired lady in need of protection, unsure of how to defend herself.
Paradoxically, the closer Europe aligns with the U.S., the deeper its existential crisis becomes, leaving the core issue unresolved. Some tend to blame Trump as if he alone dictates Europe’s fate. In my view, it’s time for Europe to tackle this situation with an independent strategy, rather than relying on the U.S. for safety and flourishing its economy because that will not happen.
Europe, through the European Union (EU), should consider carefully the words of one of America’s foremost strategists, Henry Kissinger: “Being an enemy of the U.S. is dangerous, but being a friend is fatal.” This statement highlights an uncomfortable truth Europe seems unwilling to acknowledge: the U.S. is not a reliable partner, a fact the Global South has long realised.
The U.S. Interests always come first
The United States has repeatedly demonstrated that it prioritises its own interests over international commitments, casting doubt on its reliability as a partner. Over the years,........