A Call for Strategic Distance: Is Europe Preparing to Disengage from the U.S.?
The specter of a fractured transatlantic relationship looms large, as concerns mount over the reliability of the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump. A growing chorus of voices, particularly within Europe, are beginning to contemplate a strategic break from the U.S., a move described as “draconian” but increasingly seen as necessary to safeguard democratic principles and global stability.
The shift in perspective was crystallized at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly voiced a sentiment shared by many allied leaders: the U.S., under Trump, is no longer a dependable partner in key areas such as NATO, trade and intelligence sharing. This erosion of trust, built over eight decades, threatens to unravel the postwar order and destabilize international relations.
For generations, this trust served as the bedrock of alliances, fostered economic stability, and acted as a deterrent to autocratic regimes. Today, that foundation has crumbled. Trump’s repeated questioning of NATO’s relevance and his assertion – which has been disputed – that Europe would not come to America’s aid in a crisis, have fueled anxieties among European leaders.
However, the current situation presents a poignant irony: the U.S. Now finds itself in greater need of European assistance than ever before, but in a fundamentally different way. The challenge is not military, but rather the preservation of democratic governance within the U.S. Itself.
According to an analysis published on January 24, 2026, Europe must now step forward, not with armies, but with economic, financial, and political leverage to help the U.S. Confront what is described as an “authoritarian threat.” This is not framed as an anti-American stance, but rather as a proactive measure to defend democracy on a global scale.
European leaders are proceeding with caution, recognizing the complexities and potential ramifications of such a significant shift in policy. The article notes that this is not about preparing for war, but about preventing conflict and mitigating the risk of a democratic backslide in the world’s most powerful nation.
The need for a strong and independent press is also being highlighted as crucial to safeguarding democracy. A February 2, 2026, Facebook post from the Committee to Protect Journalists emphasized that access to information is vital, and independent reporting is under threat. This underscores the importance of a free and unbiased media in holding power accountable and informing the public.
The current climate also highlights the vital role of independent journalism, as Raw Story itself acknowledges. The outlet, celebrating 20 years of independent reporting, relies on the support of its subscribers and donors to continue its work in the face of increasing challenges to the news industry. Raw Story emphasizes that subscriptions and donations are crucial to maintaining the integrity of its newsroom and fighting against the spread of misinformation, and corruption.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the question of transatlantic relations and the future of democracy remains at the forefront. The potential for a strategic disengagement between Europe and the U.S., while drastic, is being seriously considered as a means of preserving democratic values and preventing further instability on the global stage.
