Conversations with Bill Kristol Francis Fukuyama on Trump’s Bullying and Europe’s Response
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Jan 22, 2026 
In this engaging conversation, Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist and author, sheds light on the troubling dynamics of U.S. foreign policy under Trump. He argues the U.S. now poses a threat to its allies, as seen in the Greenland controversy. Fukuyama critiques Europe’s appeasement and discusses the dangers of Trump’s autocratic tendencies, both domestically and internationally. He also examines the implications of American economic coercion and warns of rising defense needs in Europe amidst growing tensions with Russia and China.
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Allies Face An Unprecedented Internal Threat
- The U.S. has shifted from supporting the liberal order to acting like an aggressor under Trump.
- Europe now faces an extraordinary situation with an aggressor "within the gates."
Stand Firm And Prepare Countermeasures
- Europeans should refuse to negotiate sovereignty over Greenland and prepare counter-tariffs.
- Appeasement rewards escalation because Trump interprets weakness as permission to push further.
Policy Driven By Psychology, Not Strategy
- Trump's actions often stem from personal psychology rather than coherent strategy.
- Appeasement by allies feeds his narcissism and leads to escalation, not calm.
