What's happened
European leaders at the Munich Security Conference warn of a deepening transatlantic rift amid US skepticism and European efforts for strategic independence. Key figures call for renewed NATO trust, European nuclear deterrence, and a reassessment of US leadership, reflecting a shifting global order.
What's behind the headline?
The Munich Security Conference reveals a fundamental shift in transatlantic relations. European leaders, including Merz and Macron, acknowledge that the post-World War II order is dissolving, with the US's claim to global leadership being challenged and possibly squandered. The US's aggressive stance—threatening Greenland, imposing tariffs, and mocking allies—has eroded trust, prompting Europe to pursue military autonomy, including discussions on European nuclear deterrence. This shift signifies a move away from reliance on US military power, especially as European nations increase defense spending and seek independent security architectures. The US's internal political turmoil, exemplified by Trump's confrontational policies and rhetoric, further complicates alliance cohesion. The conference underscores a critical juncture where Europe aims to strengthen its geopolitical power, while the US's diminished influence risks fragmenting the Western alliance, with long-term implications for global stability.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel highlights Merz’s call for a new transatlantic partnership and Macron’s push for Europe to become a geopolitical power, emphasizing the need to repair trust and strengthen NATO. The New York Times provides context on the decline of US global leadership, noting that European trust has been damaged by Trump’s policies, including threats to Greenland and tariffs, and that European nations are increasingly seeking military independence. The Independent discusses the internal US political climate, with figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticizing Trump’s approach and calling for a rules-based order, while also noting the impact of Trump’s foreign policy on European perceptions. Al Jazeera emphasizes Merz’s appeal for unity and the importance of NATO, contrasting US Vice President Vance’s earlier criticisms with Merz’s call for renewed partnership, illustrating the evolving transatlantic dynamic.
How we got here
Over the past year, US policies under President Trump and Vice President Vance have challenged traditional European-US relations. Actions such as threats to seize Greenland, tariffs, and criticism of European democracies have strained alliances. European leaders now seek greater autonomy, emphasizing NATO and strategic independence amid a broader context of global power shifts and internal political changes.
Go deeper
Common question
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Is US influence waning? What's happening at Munich?
Recent events at the Munich Security Conference have raised questions about the future of US leadership and Europe's role in global security. With tensions rising and US-European relations appearing strained, many wonder if America's influence is diminishing and what this means for NATO and international alliances. Below, we explore the key issues and answer common questions about the shifting dynamics between the US and Europe.
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What Are the Global Implications of Europe-US Tensions?
Recent tensions between Europe and the US are reshaping international relations, raising questions about future alliances, security, and trade. As European leaders call for greater independence and criticise US policies, many wonder how these shifts will impact global stability. Below, we explore the key questions about what these tensions mean for the world stage and how they could influence the future of transatlantic relations.
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Why Are Europe and US Tensions Increasing Now?
Recent developments at the Munich Security Conference and shifting global power dynamics have brought renewed attention to the growing tensions between Europe and the United States. European leaders are calling for greater independence and stronger NATO ties, while the US faces internal political challenges that impact its global leadership. But what exactly is fueling this transatlantic rift, and what could it mean for the future of international security? Below, we explore the key issues and questions surrounding this evolving relationship.
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Are US and European Policies Diverging More Than Ever?
Recent tensions between the US and Europe have raised questions about the future of their relationship. With European leaders calling for greater strategic independence and NATO reforms, many wonder if the transatlantic alliance is facing its biggest challenge yet. In this page, we explore the key issues behind the growing rift, the role of NATO, and what this means for global power dynamics.
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What Are Europe’s Plans for Strategic Independence from the US?
European leaders are increasingly pushing for greater autonomy in their security and foreign policies amid rising tensions with the US. This shift raises important questions about NATO, nuclear deterrence, and the future of transatlantic relations. Below, we explore the key developments and what they mean for global stability.
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What Are the Key Legal and Political Battles Shaping US and Europe Today?
The geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant legal and political battles unfolding across the US and Europe. From tensions over transatlantic relations to domestic court cases impacting elections, understanding these conflicts is crucial. Below, we explore the biggest issues currently shaping international politics and what they mean for the future.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Friedrich Merz is a German lawyer and politician. A member of the Christian Democratic Union, he served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and was elected to the Bundestag from 1994 until 2009, where he chaired the CDU/CSU parliament
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James David Vance is an American author and venture capitalist. He is best known for his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, about Appalachian values and their relation to the social problems of his hometown, which attracted significant media attention during the 201
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Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Denmark, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. Denmark proper, which is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, consists of a peninsula, Jutland, and an archipelago of 443 named islands, with the largest being
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The Munich Security Conference is an annual conference on international security policy that has taken place in Munich, Bavaria since 1963. Former names are Wehrkundetagung and Münchner Konferenz für Sicherheitspolitik. It is the world's largest gatheri