Politics Weekly America The real reason behind Trump’s nasty breakup with Europe
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Dec 12, 2025 In this discussion, Joseph Stieb, a scholar of U.S. military and diplomatic history, delves into Trump's recent harsh critiques of Europe, labeling it 'weak' and immersed in 'civilisational collapse.' He explores how the new national security strategy favors provocative language and targets the American right, reshaping international norms. Stieb connects cultural resentments to shifts in U.S. policy, revealing the rise of autocratic allies and the sidelining of democratic values. He also critiques emerging security measures that infringe on personal freedoms.
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NSS As Culture-War Messaging
- The 2024 National Security Strategy signals a culture-war driven foreign policy rather than traditional alliance-first doctrine.
- Joseph Stieb says it borrows online right language and was made partly for domestic right-wing consumption.
Europe Framed As Culturally Weak
- The NSS adopts far-right European rhetoric, framing immigration and demographic change as security threats.
- Stieb warns this signals the U.S. may treat Europe as less reliable if it 'decays' culturally or demographically.
EU Seen As Sovereignty Threat
- The administration criticises the EU as infringing on 'sovereignty' and as an obstacle to right-wing parties.
- Stieb explains MAGA thinkers see weakening the EU as a way to empower nationalist parties across Europe.