As the U.S. elections bring uncertainty, Europe needs to chart its own course. Ukraine’s survival depends on the continent’s leadership.
Donald Trump, then-Republican Presidential nominee, holds a presser from the inside of a trash hauler on October 30, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
There were signs of optimism in Europe ahead of Election Day. The polls indicated that the race was tight since support for Kamala Harris peaked in August. However, the expectation to outperform these polls and blind trust in humanity kept the Harris Campaign and its millions voters hopeful of victory. As the results of the vote were announced late Tuesday night, and Europe woke up Wednesday morning, it was clear that the transatlantic dream had died yet again. This time, it was more definitively than ever.
Joe Biden’s 2020 election was a relief to the closest allies of the United States in Europe. After four years under Donald Trump, Biden was a welcome change in American foreign policy. He was shaped by the Cold War alliances of geopolitical blocs and collective security, and he was familiar to the European establishment both from his time as Vice President and his worldview.
Biden understood the importance of NATO and strong bilateral relations in ensuring transatlantic security. His relationship with Europe, despite some flaws, notably his administration’s unreasonable fears of escalation, formed the basis for a cooperative multilateral partnership.
Kamala Harris, despite her domestic priorities, would have maintained strong relationships with American allies. Her support for Ukraine, and her appreciation of NATO and transatlantic safety aligned her with not only her boss but with the majority European Union and NATO members states.
Now, all hope of a united front between the U.S.A. and its European partners is gone. Trump’s second tenure is likely to be more volatile than his initial one, as his loss in the 2020 elections has further radicalized him. While Europe prepares for a tough winter and a long time in Ukraine 2025, it must move forward without its most powerful partner.
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