The past week has thrown the Transatlantic relationship into turmoil, with the shocks for Europe coming one after the other. First Defense Secretary Hegseth said the US is no longer the “primary guarantor” of European security. This was followed up by President Trump’s phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin that seemed to sideline Ukraine and Europe. Then at the Munich Security Conference, Vice President J.D. Vance shocked attendees with a speech critiquing European democracy and effectively calling on Europeans to end the isolation of far-right parties. Steven Erlanger, the chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times covering Europe, joins Thanos Davelis with the latest analysis.
You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:
Donald Trump’s assault on Europe
Vance Tells Europeans to Stop Shunning Parties Deemed Extreme
After Munich, How Will Europe Handle Trump?
European Leaders Meet in Paris as U.S. Pushes Ahead With Ukraine Plan
Egypt, Cyprus sign gas export deals, boosting Eastern Mediterranean energy cooperation
Top Greek scientist says the Santorini earthquake outlook remains uncertain