Seven weeks into Gaza’s ceasefire, significant disagreements exist between Washington and European capitals regarding post-conflict plans. This divide could jeopardize not only Gaza’s humanitarian situation but also the credibility of Western coordination on global crises.
The Trump administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) has upset the longstanding transatlantic consensus, alarming nations like Germany and Poland while appealing to Russia. The 33-page document frames European integration as a threat to civilization and emphasizes “patriotic” nationalism, undermining NATO’s ideological foundations even as member countries reach record defense spending levels.
The current diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Ukraine seem more focused on creating a favorable public image than achieving true stability. The Trump administration’s push for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict appears motivated by a desire for a political legacy rather than the realities on the ground. By seeking a quick solution instead of a sustainable security framework, the U.S. risks providing the Kremlin with a strategic advantage, potentially destabilizing the European Union and leaving Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.
The Trump administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy signifies a significant break from the post-World War II international order by rejecting the aim of “permanent American domination” and shifting towards a focus on reindustrialization and “America First” policies, moving the U.S. from upholding norms to aggressive commercial competition in the Indo-Pacific.
American foreign policy towards India illustrates that punitive measures against key partners often result in the opposite of intended outcomes. During Putin’s ceremonial visit to India in December 2025, Washington faced the uncomfortable truth that its economic coercion was reinforcing the relationships it aims to weaken.
The December 5, 2025 release of the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy signifies a significant shift in transatlantic relations, explicitly showcasing American antagonism toward its historical democratic allies. The document goes beyond conventional policy disputes, exposing a deep-seated hostility toward European sovereignty, democratic governance, and territorial integrity.
The collapse of a free society typically happens gradually rather than through sudden events. Historical evidence shows that the erosion of liberty often results from well-intentioned ideas about justice, diversity, and anti-imperialism. This situation is captured by the “paradox of tolerance,” which asserts that unlimited tolerance can ultimately lead to the loss of tolerance itself.
The recent Trump-Xi summit at the APEC gathering in Busan has raised critical questions regarding regional security architecture, particularly with Washington’s announcement of a “G2” framework with Beijing, which may reshape the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape beyond bilateral trade negotiations.
