The article critiques Donald Trump's foreign policy as a manifestation of the collapse of the liberal world order and argues that Europe must radically rethink its relationship with the U.S.
In an essay analyzing the dynamics of contemporary geopolitics, Slajov Žižek argues that Donald Trump's presidency exemplifies the decline of the liberal world order. He describes Trump as an authoritarian figure lacking genuine authority, who undermines international norms while simultaneously avoiding direct confrontational violence. This paradoxical interplay of power leads to a uniquely troubling foreign policy, particularly regarding Europe. Žižek contends that Trump, unable to act as a true mediator in conflicts such as the Ukraine crisis, manipulates the situation by shifting accountability onto Europe, demanding that it bear the costs of war and recovery.
The author also discusses the implications of Europe's relationship with both the U.S. and Russia, suggesting that Trump's perception of the EU as a greater adversary than Russia or China necessitates a critical reassessment. If Europe opts for tactical compromises to appease Trump, it risks diminishing its strategic autonomy and becoming a bargaining chip in larger geopolitical negotiations between the U.S. and Russia. Žižek includes the nuances of Russia's stance in this context, highlighting how Russia maintains a neutral position while subtly supporting U.S. endeavors, as seen in its non-opposition to American maneuvers regarding Greenland.
Ultimately, the article warns that the geopolitical chessboard is shifting toward a tripartite structure dominated by the U.S., Russia, and China, with Europe increasingly marginalized. The author concludes that any viable path for Europe lies in a radical separation from U.S. dominance, as only such a move could restore its sovereignty and strategic interests amid the changing global order.
