Judging Freedom Prof. Glenn Diesen : Why the EU Rebuffs Trump
Mar 26, 2026
Prof. Glenn Diesen, a political scientist specializing in international relations and Eurasian geopolitics. He explores Europe's skepticism toward US strikes, how unclear American objectives erode support, European expectations of consultation, divergent rules for Israel and Iran, and the geopolitical fallout for Ukraine, Russia, and deterrence.
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European Opinion Shifts When Wars Go Bad
- European opinion shifted from tacit support to questioning legitimacy as the Iran war faltered.
- Glenn Diesen notes lack of advance notice from Trump let Europeans avoid early commitment and adjust positions as the conflict worsened.
Surprise Attacks Give Allies A Political Escape
- Europeans expected consultation before a major U.S. strike and saw Trump's surprise approach as rude and destabilizing.
- Diesen argues not being warned gave them an 'out' so they weren't forced into early support after prior Gaza-related backlash.
Ambiguous Objectives Make Wars Unwinnable Politically
- Lack of clear, achievable objectives undermines political support and makes declaring victory impossible.
- Diesen highlights shifting U.S. aims from regime change to missile limits and nuclear claims, creating inconsistent narratives.