US Security Strategy Draws Praise from Moscow, Raises Alarms in Europe
The Trump administration's recently unveiled US National Security Strategy has elicited a surprising reaction from Moscow, with Russia declaring it "largely consistent" with its own geopolitical outlook. This 33-page document, which notably refrains from labeling Russia as a direct threat to the United States, has nevertheless stirred considerable debate and concern, particularly among European Union officials and analysts.
Kremlin Endorsement and European Apprehension
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed a positive view, noting the strategy's adjustments align with Russia's vision. He characterized this as a "positive step" but indicated Moscow would continue a thorough analysis before forming definitive conclusions.
The strategy's language has drawn criticism for its focus on Europe, suggesting the continent faces "civilizational erasure" and highlighting issues like combating foreign influence, ending mass migration, and rejecting the EU's perceived "censorship." This rhetoric has prompted several EU officials and analysts to question its underlying motives, with some likening its wording to that typically employed by the Kremlin.
Weakened Response and Blame on the EU
Concerns among EU officials are escalating, as they worry that the softer stance towards Russia within the document could inadvertently weaken the international community's collective response to ongoing conflicts, particularly in ending the war in Ukraine. The strategy, in fact, attributes blame to the EU for obstructing US efforts to resolve the conflict, advocating for the US to "re-establish strategic stability to Russia" to "stabilize European economies." It also explicitly endorses efforts to influence continental policy, stressing that US strategy should prioritize "resistance to Europe's current trajectory within European nations."
Restoring Western Identity and Endorsing "Patriotic Parties"
Moreover, the report champions the "restoration of Western identity," dramatically asserting that Europe could become "unrecognizable in 20 years or less" due to economic woes overshadowed by the "more stark prospect of civilizational erasure." It even doubts whether some European countries will retain sufficient economic and military strength to remain reliable allies. Conversely, the document openly applauds the influence of "patriotic European parties" and encourages "America’s political allies in Europe to promote this revival of spirit." This aligns with recent reports of the US fostering closer ties with Germany's far-right AfD party, which German intelligence has categorized as extreme right.
European Officials Question Strategy's Scope
As the EU engages in ongoing discussions with the Trump administration regarding a potential peace agreement in Ukraine, European leaders, while reaffirming their crucial relationship with the US within NATO, have voiced "questions" about the strategy. German Foreign Minister Wadephul, for instance, stated that issues concerning freedom of expression or the organization of free societies, especially in Germany, do not belong in such a security strategy.
The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), a prominent think tank, went further, with its co-chair and former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt asserting on social media that the document positions itself "to the right of the extreme right," and uses language "one otherwise only finds coming out of some bizarre minds of the Kremlin."
Global Ambitions and Domestic Warnings
Beyond Europe, the "America First" doctrine outlines intentions to target alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, even contemplating military action in Venezuela. It also urges increased defense spending from key allies like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Taiwan.
Domestically, Democrats in Congress have issued stern warnings, with Representative Jason Crow of Colorado describing the strategy as "catastrophic to America's standing in the world." New York Representative Gregory Meeks cautioned that it "discards decades of value-based, US leadership."
