A newly released U.S. National Security Strategy is prompting concern among European leaders and analysts,as the document sharply critiques the continent’s trajectory and signals a potential shift in the transatlantic alliance. Published December 5, the NSS prioritizes stability with Russia and questions the long-term reliability of some European nations as allies, a marked departure from previous U.S. policy [[1]]. The strategy, detailed below, has already drawn reactions from across the political spectrum and raises questions about the future of U.S.-European relations.
유럽연합(EU) 국기 앞에 3D 프린트로 만든 도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령 모형이 놓여있다. 로이터연합뉴스
The newly released U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) has signaled a formal fracturing of the transatlantic alliance, directing criticism toward Europe rather than traditional adversaries like China, North Korea, and Russia. The shift has prompted a cautious response from European nations, who are carefully managing their public reactions.
According to the NSS, published December 5, the greatest threat facing Europe isn’t economic stagnation, but rather “the grim prospect of civilizational decline.” The document dedicates approximately three pages to “Elevating Europe’s Standing,” outlining concerns about the erosion of political and expression freedoms within the European Union and other supranational organizations, as well as challenges posed by immigration policies and declining birth rates. The strategy suggests that, if current trends continue, the future reliability of some European nations as allies is uncertain.
The assessment echoes remarks made by Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference in February, where he sparked controversy by suggesting that Germany’s mainstream parties were “undemocratic” for refusing to form a coalition with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Foreign media outlets report that the NSS represents a formal expansion of those comments.
The NSS explicitly states that “the rise of patriotic European parties is a significant cause for optimism,” and that the U.S. will “encourage resistance to current misguided trends within European nations.” According to the document, the U.S. aims to “help Europe get back on track.” The “patriotic European parties” referenced are believed to include groups like AfD and the Reform UK party, which advocate anti-immigration and anti-EU policies.
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) argues that if the criteria for a “good European ally” are based on alignment with the Trump administration’s nationalist and conservative values, the new strategy signals the end of the transatlantic alliance founded on liberal values and a shift toward an anti-liberal coalition.
Politico reports that moderate leaders in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have largely avoided public confrontation with President Trump since his return to the White House in January, but the release of the National Security Strategy may force a direct response given the existential threat it poses. The development underscores growing tensions between the U.S. and its European allies.
Notably, the NSS contains no criticism of Russia. Instead, it states that “the majority of European citizens want peace, but their expectations for the war in Ukraine are unrealistic and not reflected,” and that “the core U.S. national interest is to quickly end hostilities in Ukraine and re-establish strategic stability with Russia.” The document also prioritizes “ending the perception of NATO as an alliance that is constantly expanding.”
도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령과 블라디미르 푸틴 러시아 대통령이15일(현지시간) 알래스카에서 만나 악수를 나누고 있다. AP연합뉴스
Analysts say this stance represents a departure from the historical role of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which has traditionally focused on maintaining European order and defending against Soviet aggression. The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. is positioning itself as a mediator seeking to de-escalate conflict between Russia and Europe, rather than as an ally confronting Russia.
Yale University history professor Timothy Snyder characterized the U.S. security strategy as “similar to Russian propaganda,” arguing that supporting far-right parties to weaken the EU is a long-standing Russian tactic. He also noted that dismissing the concerns of citizens and prolonging the war in Ukraine are also arguments Russia has consistently made. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks as concerns grow that the Trump administration is prioritizing a swift end to the war in Ukraine, potentially at Russia’s expense.
European nations have expressed displeasure with the NSS, with European Parliamentarian Brando Benifei describing it as containing “extreme and shocking language” and a “direct attack on the EU.” However, they have also moved to moderate their response. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated on December 6 that “the United States remains our biggest ally,” signaling a desire to avoid escalation. The announcement underscores the need for European nations to maintain the transatlantic alliance, despite growing calls for greater strategic autonomy.
The New York Times reports that the NSS clearly demonstrates that European nations are at a “strategic crossroads,” and that a debate about the future path forward is urgently needed. Foreign Policy argues that “Europe can’t save the relationship with the U.S. or Ukraine by flattering President Trump, showering him with gifts, or inviting him to royal banquets.” It concludes that “Europe needs to realize it is on its own when it comes to the war in Ukraine and European security. At worst, Europe will find itself with two enemies: Russia to the east and the United States to the west.”
