The United States has unveiled a new National Security Strategy (NSS) that signals a dramatic shift in its approach to global affairs. Departing from the post-World War II consensus, the White House now questions the “so-called ‘rules-based international order'” and the role of international institutions, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic relations.
Vice President JD Vance’s blunt warning to America’s European allies at the 2025 Munich Security Conference set the tone for this new strategy. He asserted that the real threat to Europe comes not from Russia, but from within – from those “censoring free speech” and “suppressing political opposition,” thereby undermining European democracy. This ideological clash has now been codified in the latest NSS, which seeks to “cultivate resistance to Europe’s current trajectory” and support “patriotic European parties.”
The review directly challenges the notion of a shared commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law that has underpinned the transatlantic relationship for decades. Instead, it argues for a civilisation built on the primacy of the sovereign nation-state, rejecting the “sovereignty-sapping incursions of the most intrusive transnational organizations.”
This muscular reassertion of American unilateralism is exemplified by the military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The NSS claims the right for the United States to be the pre-eminent power in the Western Hemisphere, echoing the 1823 Monroe Doctrine.
The implications for Europe are profound. The review is damning about the “current trajectory” of the continent, warning of “economic decline” and the “more stark prospect of civilisational erasure.” It raises doubts about the viability of some NATO members as long-term security partners, given demographic changes.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has already called for Europe to “achieve independence” from America and reshape NATO. However, this will be a complex and costly endeavour, as the continent has become heavily dependent on the United States. Lord Richards, a former UK military chief, warns that the EU “risks falling between the cracks,” forced to choose between the spheres of influence of the US and other powers.
Ultimately, the NSS reveals a deeper cultural and ideological divide that transcends the Atlantic. It reflects a “popular revolt against the establishment” on both sides, fuelled by concerns over immigration, the economy, and the perceived threat to traditional identities. Addressing these underlying tensions will be crucial in determining the future of the transatlantic relationship and the stability of the Western world.
