![]() President Donald Trump left in the transatlantic relationship.ĭevelopments in Georgia and Crimea and growing suspicion of Chinese interference in domestic and international affairs had already prompted Europe to question its tunnel vision on counter-terrorism, non-state actors, and the promotion of the rule of law abroad, including in the Middle East. Others in Europe are set to follow suit and this “revolution in military affairs” is providing the necessary glue to repair many of the cracks former U.S. Berlin has announced a €100 billion investment in the (terribly underfunded) German armed forces and a permanent increase in its defense spending, to more than 2% of GDP. Its Zeitenwende (“turning-point”) has rewritten the country’s post-World War II security philosophy nearly overnight, and will have a massive impact on both its defense posture and its diplomatic behavior. The most fundamental change in Europe is taking place in the continent’s economic powerhouse, Germany. It will also have long-lasting consequences, including for Europe’s relations with the Middle East. No doubt, national differences will eventually resurface and this solidarity will dwindle, but the tectonic shift in Europeans’ worldview caused by the long-feared “war in the east” will have a major impact on security strategy and military investments. It has also given rise to an unusual, almost uncharacteristic feistiness at the highest levels of power in Europe, as well as a popular solidarity with refugees not seen since the World Wars. Instead, Putin’s aggression has forged a remarkable consensus. ![]() Contrary to the expectations of many, including Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has not divided Europeans.
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