Economist Podcasts Ode to dread: Europe after Trump
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Feb 28, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Shashank Joshi, Defence editor for The Economist, and Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent, delve into the shifting dynamics of European security post-Trump. They discuss the anxiety surrounding America's potential pullback from NATO and the implications for European defense. Joshi highlights Europe's reliance on American support, especially amid the Ukraine conflict. Gardner sheds light on France's military withdrawal from the Sahel and its impact on regional stability, including the rise of Russian influence.
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European Leaders' Concerns
- European leaders are charming Donald Trump, but worry about his commitment to European security.
- Germany's Friedrich Merz voiced concern that Trump doesn't care much about Europe's fate.
Europe's Defense Vulnerability
- Europe relies heavily on American support for defense, even for modest deployments.
- European armies are understaffed, under-equipped, and lack crucial resources like munitions and command infrastructure.
Nuclear Security Concerns
- America's nuclear umbrella protects Europe, and its potential absence raises concerns.
- European nuclear arsenals are small, and Britain's deterrent partly relies on American support, making nuclear security a key issue for Europe.