Fragile Alliances: America, Hungary, and a History of European Conflict

American Disillusionment with European Alliances

The American perspective on Europe is shaped by a history of involvement in conflicts where the U.S. felt compelled to intervene due to perceived European inaction. This view highlights critical involvements in World War One, World War Two, and the Cold War, leading to an instinctive perception of Europe as a treacherous and chaotic zone requiring ongoing U.S. oversight. The lack of appreciation from European nations for American sacrifices during these conflicts has fostered a deep sense of distrust, particularly evident in the context of Russia's recent advance into Ukraine. This distrust raises concerns over the reliability of alliances, with NATO's response to the crisis seen as inadequate and inconsistent, leaving the U.S. questioning the commitment of its European partners in times of need.