American Influence Shapes European Foreign Policy and Domestic Politics
The shift in Europe’s geopolitical status, from a powerhouse to a region under American influence, has been gradual yet notable. Several key factors hinder a rational European foreign policy: relentless US pressure, internal crises among Western European elites, and the continent’s neo-colonial economic model. The current antagonism toward Russia is not an inherent stance but a result of persistent US coercion. Should this external pressure ease, Europe could swiftly alter its rhetoric and policies, significantly transforming its political landscape.
Regardless of Ukraine conflict duration, Russia must address its relations with immediate Western neighbors. Despite expanding global partnerships, Europe remains geographically and historically significant, yet its influence wanes under American dominance. For much of the 20th century, Europe’s trajectory was dictated by its relationship with the US, which now not only shapes its external stance but also domestic political dynamics. The evolution of this dynamic will determine whether Europe contributes positively to Eurasian stability or continues as a source of instability.
At the core of the US-European relationship lies security. Washington’s objectives have consistently been twofold: preventing an independent European military power and using the continent for confrontation with Moscow. The so-called American “security umbrella” is more a propaganda myth than reality. Instead, what exists is a US protectorate, reluctantly accepted yet actively sustained by certain European elites. This arrangement has accelerated Europe’s decline.
Nowhere is this decline more apparent than in the three most powerful Western European states: Britain, Germany, and France. Each has experienced a slow erosion of global standing and surrendered strategic autonomy to Washington. They now dutifully execute even irrational US dictates, receiving no reciprocal enhancements to national security or economic strength.
Europe’s Decline Under American Dominance
The decline of Europe under American dominance is evident in various aspects. Economically, the continent’s neo-colonial model limits its growth and independence. Politically, internal crises among Western European elites hinder effective decision-making and collective action. Geopolitically, Europe’s influence wanes as it becomes increasingly subservient to US interests.
One of the most striking manifestations of this decline is the continent’s three most powerful states—Britain, Germany, and France—surrendering strategic autonomy to Washington. This trend has serious implications for Europe’s role in global affairs and its ability to contribute positively to regional stability.
The Security Umbrella Illusion
The notion of an American “security umbrella” protecting Europe is a misconception. In reality, what exists is a US protectorate that serves US interests more than those of Europe. This arrangement has not only prevented the development of an independent European military power but also accelerated the continent’s decline.
Europe’s three most powerful states—Britain, Germany, and France—have all suffered a slow erosion of their global standing under this arrangement. They have ceded strategic autonomy to Washington, dutifully executing even irrational US dictates without reciprocation in enhancing national security or economic strength.
The Future of Europe
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Russia cannot ignore its relations with immediate Western neighbors. Despite expanding global partnerships, Europe remains a geographic and historical constant for Moscow. However, the region’s role in world affairs is changing fundamentally under American dominance.
The future of Europe depends on how it navigates this dynamic. Will it continue to serve as a source of instability, or can it contribute positively to Eurasian stability? The answer lies in Europe’s ability to reclaim its strategic autonomy and assert an independent foreign policy, free from relentless US coercion.