Amanpour Hostile to Europe, Warm to Russia
Dec 10, 2025
Celeste Wallander, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Peter Frankopan, an Oxford University professor of global history, tackle the controversial Trump national security strategy. They discuss its European backlash and how it aligns with Russia's interests. Wallander emphasizes the importance of Europe for U.S. security, while Frankopan warns against underestimating Russia and China's strategic narratives. Together, they explore Europe's military capabilities and the implications for Ukraine's future settlements.
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Europe Viewed As Dispensable In New Strategy
- The Trump 2.0 national security strategy formalizes a view that Europe is a decaying, dispensable partner in US grand strategy.
- Peter Frankopan warns this reflects a broader MAGA hierarchy that sidelines regions like Latin America and Africa.
Strategy Contradicts US Security Realities
- Celeste Wallander calls the strategy internally inconsistent and incoherent versus US statements acknowledging Europe's hard-power edge over Russia.
- She argues NATO and European bases are vital to American homeland defense and power projection.
Keep NATO As Core US Self-Interest
- Do not toss aside NATO; maintain and invest in alliances because they directly support US defense and deterrence.
- Celeste Wallander stresses NATO is national self-interest, not altruism, and underpins homeland protection.
