Reimagining Western Relations: A Survey of Tired Atlanticism
A recent poll revealed a growing disillusionment among people in the US and Western Europe with NATO’s proclaimed objectives. The post-Cold War West has struggled to establish a unified purpose due to its historical ties to US dominance. The emergence of this geopolitical entity after World War II under US hegemony has shaped Western Europe’s subservience in complex ways.
With the end of the Cold War, expectations arose for Europe to assert its autonomy within a transformed global landscape. However, prolonged American hegemony in Europe has thwarted this potential evolution. European nations, particularly in Paris and Berlin, missed the opportunity to chart an independent course, instead aligning closely with US foreign policy decisions with disastrous consequences, such as interventions in the Middle East and NATO expansion.
The survey conducted by the Institute for Global Affairs highlights inherent divergences within the Western bloc. Majorities in surveyed countries support a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict and express varying degrees of mistrust towards the US. The findings underscore a growing desire for Europe to take charge of its defense and strive for a more neutral relationship with the United States.
Despite ideological biases in the survey’s analysis, it sheds light on the evolving dynamics of Western relations. The poll showcases a significant segment of Western Europeans seeking greater autonomy from the US and questioning the traditional Atlanticist paradigm.
This survey, titled ‘The New Atlanticism,’ hints at a shifting paradigm in transatlantic relations, signaling a reevaluation of the outdated Atlanticist framework. The data reflects a nuanced understanding among Western Europeans, challenging the narrative of American hegemony and advocating for a more balanced and independent European posture on the global stage.