Beware the Backburner: The Risk of a Neglected Europe

April 13, 2012

Washington’s pivot toward Asia and its frustration over Europe’s mishandling of its debt crisis have left European nations wondering if this means they now get the cold shoulder. The risk many foresee is that the United States could take its greatest strategic and ideational partner for granted, waking up one day in the not-too-distant future to find a Europe unwilling or unable to take political or security risks in support of U.S. objectives.

There is a more dire future possibility, however, that involves a Europe drifting away from its core values and increasingly lacking in political and societal cohesion. The next U.S. administration will need to address this early in its term and become much more engaged and more strategic in European political affairs, not simply advising on the size of its economic firewall.