“What is your idea of the United States?” asked the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) two years ago to the population of dozens of European Union countries. In January 2023, the Pan-European Center for Research and Impact asked them much the same question, and the answer is slightly different. More than a year after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, a growing segment sees the United States not only as “partner needed“, But how”ally“.
The difference is that “minor but significant“, the analytical center notes, pointing to the particularly remarkable development in Germany and Denmark. Thus, in 2023, 32% of Germans and 52% of Danes consider Washington to be an ally of their country. In 2021, they were 19% and 35%, respectively, seeing it as an ally of Europe. The view of an “indispensable partner” declines slightly, to 33 and 32 percent in 2023, compared to 39 and 38 percent in 2021.
Therefore, the concept of “ally” now prevails in the Nordic kingdom, as in the UK: 44%, against 40% of respondents who see the United States as a necessary partner (2021 wave figures not available).
The perception of the USA by European countries. European Council of Foreign Relations.
In 2021, the poll placed more emphasis on American weakness vis-à-vis China, the desire to remain neutral in the event of a conflict between the two superpowers, and the importance for the EU of developing its own defenses. Two years laterPresident Biden’s move toward Europe has had a significant impact on public opinion across the continentconcludes the ECFR. During the 2003 Iraq war, Washington divided the Europeans (…). On the other hand, on the issue of Ukraine, the Biden administration contributed to the formation of a new unity between traditional Euro-Atlanticists and European sovereigns.».
Favorable time for alliances
Should we see a trend there, as UC suggests? “The query is currently a snapshot, and the context is not trivial– geopolitical scientist, Panthéon-Sorbonne University professor, geopolitical scientist Yves Boyer wants to emphasize. After the outbreak of war in Ukraine, America’s position as a driving force in the geopolitical arena has increased. Washington is the largest donor to Ukraine with more than 73.18 billion euros announced since January 2022, 60% of which is military aid. This reached another milestone in February with the announcement of the dispatch of heavy tanks.
Joe Biden went to Poland, Kiev and does not hesitate to tax his Russian colleague.a murderous dictator“and”war criminal “. At the same time, the US president readily emphasizes the strength of the transatlantic alliance. NATO “stronger than ever“and America’s support for Europeans”steadfast“A year after the start of the war, he said:
“Times are clearly favorable for alliancesJean-Marie Ruiz, a professor of American civilization at the University of Savoia, comments. “The war in Ukraine revives the concept of alliances. It has reinvigorated NATO, reminding it of its raison d’être, and the transatlantic alliance in general, through a new Cold War: the Russia-Ukraine standoff, but also beyond the United States-China tandem.”
In fact, the same survey shows an increase in people (66%) who consider Russia to be “adversary or adversary». Two years ago, the most common perception was that Russia is a necessary partner for Europe. So while “The idea of the West was in decline», “the emergence of a China/Russia axis seeking a post-Western international order has modernized it“- analyzes the doctor of political sciences. “On the defensive, the transatlantic axis has no choice but to stay together“.
Not necessarily a trend
Both geopolitical scientists, however, qualify the results of the research. “If the same people were asked about the general policy of the USA towards Europe, in particular regarding industrial competitiveness, the answer would be more measured.says Yves Boyer. In fact, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its protective measures for American companies caused a stir in Europe, greatly threatening the competitiveness of the Old Continent’s industrialists. So much so that Margret Vestager, executive vice-president of the Brussels Commission in charge of competition, said she was afraid.wartrade with Washington.
Similarly, the Aukus alliance, which resulted in Australia canceling a contract to acquire 12 French submarines in 2021, sounded like “betrayalAmerica’s ally against France. Looking in detail, we notice that the Germans and the French are more reserved. 32% of the former consider Washington an ally, compared to only 25% of the latter. 41% of respondents in France continue to consider the transatlantic alliance simply as a partnership.necessary“.
“Traditional orientations are found. The United Kingdom has chosen the high seas after Brexit, while Germany and France are primarily European;– explains Jean-Marie Ruiz. “Let’s not forget that everything in this area is a war of influenceYves Boyer recalls. “There is a desire to show unity on both sides“. Without denying the scientific validity of the survey, the professor believes that it “certainly does not reflect the geopolitical reality, nor the position of economic decision-makers, who have found themselves in the reality of a conflict of interests;“.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.