America's Shift Towards Lower Democracy Levels: Consequences for Europe
In a remarkable turn of events, the White House National Security staff has seen a significant reduction by 60 percent this year. This shrinkage has far-reaching implications for Europe, as the United States, under the current administration, is no longer a partner for Europe in supporting democracy internationally.
The Trump administration has pulled back sharply from the traditional U.S. role as a global democracy supporter. Almost all democracy assistance has been ended, and significant parts of the diplomatic capacity relating to democracy have been dismantled. This withdrawal leaves Europe facing a choice in the domain of democracy support.
The U.S. political system has undergone significant changes, transforming into a hyper-presidential one with few constraints on the president from within the executive branch or from other branches of government. This transformation has led to an overweening elected leader amassing political power, a phenomenon known as executive aggrandizement. The strength of some U.S. institutions, such as the judiciary, civil society, and free press, is providing some checks on these ambitions. However, there has been a harsh downgrading of the role of expertise, with policy being increasingly shaped by ideology conviction, with diminishing regard for factual reality.
Trump has shown a determination to suppress dissent, engaging in legal retribution against critics and opponents, including media organizations, politicians, and law firms. He has also applied pressure against European efforts to moderate social media platforms. These actions bear significant resemblance to what has occurred in countries like Hungary and India, raising concerns about democratic erosion in the United States.
The U.S. government, under Trump's administration, is now seeking to bolster illiberal right-wing parties or politicians across Europe, including in France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom. This move has led to accusations of censorship against European governments by high-level American officials, such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
European political actors, in response, are likely to position themselves against US influence on European internal politics. German leaders like Johann Wadephul emphasize Europe's independent role and reform efforts, while European Parliament members from parties critical of US trade and policy approaches, including figures from SPD, CSU, and the Greens, seek to resist US strategic goals. Eurosceptic and right-wing parties like Hungary’s Fidesz and France’s Rassemblement National seek redefined EU competencies, potentially resisting US strategic goals, while mainstream European institutions advocate maintaining strategic autonomy amid US unpredictability.
These changes in the U.S. political system have many different implications for Europe, particularly in areas relating to global governance. Europe can either narrow its understanding of its foreign policy interests and focus primarily on near-term economic and security concerns, or it can reembrace its longtime view that a more democratic world is a more hospitable world for Europe. The choice is not without its challenges, but the stakes are high as Europe navigates this new reality.
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