In her latest piece for Carnegie Europe, Rym Momtaz explores the growing tensions in the transatlantic relationship — especially between Germany and the United States. With Washington’s increasing tilt toward right-wing populist actors in Europe, questions arise about the long-term strategic intentions of U.S. foreign policy.
Is this soft support for parties like France’s Rassemblement National or Germany’s AfD a deliberate effort to weaken EU unity? Momtaz argues that such actions, even if uncoordinated, risk undermining democratic cohesion on the continent just as geopolitical threats from Russia and China intensify. The article doesn’t just identify the problem — it issues a call to action. If Europe wants to maintain its influence and protect liberal democracy, it must respond with strength and unity. That means investing in its own security, reducing dependencies, and showing resilience in the face of external pressure. As the U.S. gears up for a potentially transformative election, European leaders have a narrowing window to shape the future of the alliance rather than simply react to it.