Angelo M’BA and Douglas Brenton Anderson
On February 28, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas declared that “the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.” This call to action captures a shifting Europe – one less willing to let its future be decided in Washington or Beijing.
This posture reflects a growing sentiment in Europe, which, despite having braced for the return of the “America First” policy, has been consistently caught off guard by the second Trump administration. For the last two months, tariffs, insults to U.S. allies, and casual references to exercising extraterritorial jurisdiction over Canada, Greenland, and Panama have almost become routine.
This situation prompted some to argue that if Europe cannot rely on its transatlantic ally anymore, it should consider building a closer relationship with China, whose economy and political status may help the Europeans face compounded challenges.
Europe finds itself in an ever-more challenging situation to solidify its economic unity and uphold its strategic autonomy – especially when considering increased Chinese assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific.
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