During his recent visit to Estonia, Peter Slezkine, the head of the Russia program at the influential American think tank Stimson Center, discussed the fate of the so-called 'free world,' the ongoing conflicts, and the future of US-European relations. He expressed concern that the political identity of the West is deeply rooted in the myth of a 'free world,' which lacks a positive agenda, and survives only due to the support of perceived external threats. This cyclical existence of existential danger has become outdated as a new generation no longer shares the old fears or nostalgia for past triumphs.

Slezkine asserted that the unified, strong Western civilization, anchored in Christian and intellectual values, does not exist as it once did. He emphasized the significant challenge of creating a new, politically viable civilizational framework from scratch. The dissolution of this once-consensual identity underscores the complexities of navigating modern geopolitical landscapes, especially as established paradigms become increasingly irrelevant.

Moreover, Slezkine criticized America's ambition to act as a global policeman, suggesting that it has transformed the country into an exhausted security state. The relentless hunt for monsters in the name of protecting the 'free world' has turned against the American electorate, prompting questions about the sustainability of such a narrative. This reflection challenges the notion of a unified Western identity in a new global context, signaling a potential shift in international relations and domestic priorities.