Europe's Liberal Order Collapses as U.S. Alliances Turn Transactional

Europe is facing a shift in its relationship with the United States as traditional alliances weaken. Historian Marlène Laruelle argues that the old liberal order has collapsed without strong resistance. She warns that Europe must now adapt to a more transactional and unpredictable U.S. foreign policy.

Laruelle sees no return to past cooperation, even if Democrats perform well in future elections. The current U.S. security strategy, shaped by figures like Vice President J.D. Vance, reflects a harder line toward Europe—one she finds unsurprising given earlier statements.

The 'MAGA' movement's foreign policy vision, influenced by anti-liberal thinkers, has further distanced Washington from its European partners. Laruelle notes that Europeans have long ignored Trump's America, focusing only on like-minded U.S. leaders. This misjudgement has left them unprepared for the new reality.

Illiberalism, once a fringe ideology, has now become a global governance model opposing liberalism, globalisation, and multiculturalism. While Laruelle expects Europe to adopt a milder version than the United States, she believes it will still drift closer to Trumpist policies. The United States, meanwhile, plans to back right-wing populist forces in Europe as part of its strategic approach.

The era of deep political, economic, and cultural ties between the United States and Europe is over, according to Laruelle. Europe must now navigate a landscape where American alliances shift with each issue. The continent's response will determine how far it moves toward its own form of illiberal governance.