Multipolarity Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Twelve
Dec 22, 2025
In a creative twist for the holiday season, the hosts delve into the geopolitical landscape, revealing the Edward Bernays Reader as a key object. They discuss Europe's indifference to the US National Security Strategy and Zelensky's controversial NATO-plus proposal. The British press faces scrutiny for its reactions, while Niall Ferguson's mixed reviews spark debate on framing in foreign policy. The implications of a shifting liberal order are examined, alongside predictions of Britain's identity crisis and Europe's urgent need for clarity in the face of change.
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Europe's Muted Strategic Response
- European reaction to the NSS has largely been muted or culturally focused rather than strategic.
- Pilkington says Europe is avoiding hard geopolitical interpretation and remains inward-looking.
Britain's Framing Problem
- Britain faces an identity crisis because its main role has been framing US policy, which the NSS undermines.
- Pilkington argues British elites relied on 'framing' as their main geopolitical contribution and will struggle without it.
Niall Ferguson's Contrarian Article
- Pilkington recounts Niall Ferguson's column calling the NSS insignificant while also praising parts of it.
- He finds Ferguson's shift odd given Ferguson's previous hawkish record on Ukraine and Iraq.