Europe Faces a New Reality: Rethinking Security After Trump, Expert Warns – Breaking News
TERMOLI, ITALY – A seismic shift in transatlantic relations demands a fundamental rethinking of European security, according to Professor Roberto D’Alimonte, a leading expert on Italian politics and electoral systems. Speaking at the opening of political training courses in Termoli, Italy, D’Alimonte delivered a stark assessment of the enduring impact of the Trump presidency, arguing that Europe can no longer depend on unconditional US support.
The Trump Effect: A Structural Change in US-Europe Ties
The political training, hosted by the “Girolamo La Penna” Cultural Association and directed by engineer Nicola Felice, kicked off with D’Alimonte’s keynote address on “United States – Europe relations before and after Trump.” The professor, formerly a visiting scholar at Yale and Stanford and founder of the Italian Center for Electoral Studies (CISE), didn’t mince words. “Everything has changed,” he stated, emphasizing a clear demarcation between the pre- and post-Trump era.
D’Alimonte pointed to tangible shifts in both economic and security policies under the Trump administration, citing tariffs and a diminished willingness to guarantee European defense. “Today we Europeans can no longer count, as in the past, on the unconditional support of the United States,” he explained. “America is no longer willing to guarantee European defense as it once did. It asks us for greater commitment. We need to spend more on defense.”
The Italicum Architect on Strategic Autonomy
Known as the “father of the Italicum” electoral law, D’Alimonte’s insights carry significant weight within Italian political circles. His analysis extends beyond immediate concerns, delving into the long-term implications of American disengagement. The core message? Europe must actively pursue “strategic autonomy” – a concept gaining traction in Brussels, but one that faces considerable hurdles.
“We must ask ourselves how to make ourselves less dependent on the United States,” D’Alimonte urged. “It’s a huge challenge. There is a lot of talk about European strategic autonomy, but in fact we continue to depend on the Americans, especially on a military level.” He acknowledged the complexity of achieving a truly independent European foreign policy, emphasizing the need for increased investment in defense and better coordination of security policies. He expressed hope that any American withdrawal from Europe would be gradual, allowing the continent time to build its own defensive capabilities.
Beyond the Headlines: A Historical Context
The call for European strategic autonomy isn’t new. Historically, Europe has grappled with its reliance on the United States for security, particularly since the end of World War II. The formation of NATO was, in many ways, a response to the perceived Soviet threat and a desire for American protection. However, recent geopolitical shifts – including the rise of China and internal divisions within the European Union – have amplified the urgency of this debate. The Trump administration’s “America First” policy served as a catalyst, forcing Europe to confront its vulnerabilities.
The courses in Termoli, attended by local officials including Mayor Nico Balice and Bishop Claudio Palumbo, underscore a growing interest in political education and strategic thinking at the local level. Professor Giovanni Di Giandomenico, director of the course, noted the packed room as evidence of this burgeoning engagement.
D’Alimonte’s warning serves as a critical wake-up call. The era of assuming unwavering American support is over. Europe’s future security hinges on its ability to forge a new path – one defined by increased self-reliance, strategic investment, and a unified vision for its role on the global stage. The conversation has begun, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuing coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the evolving geopolitical landscape.
