Trump is making trouble again, and Europe is scared enough, but France has picked up a treasure
With Trump's comeback, Europe shuddered, but France was blessed with it. This scene, like a prelude to a political upheaval, is brewing a storm that has attracted international attention. Let's recall why Trump's words were so thrilling and why France saw an unprecedented opportunity.
First, Trump's heated rhetoric in meetings with the leaders of major European powers sent shockwaves around the world. His response to the issue of military spending sent shivers down the shoulders of Europe. In this political arena, a central question emerges: Why did Trump's remarks have such a striking impact on Europe?
The key reason for this lies in Trump's consistent attitude, especially his attitude towards Ukraine. He spoke out against supporting Ukraine and showed confidence in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict on TV shows. Whether or not this is just his momentary rhetoric, his becoming the United States again will have far-reaching consequences for European countries. It will undoubtedly be a nightmare for European countries, especially those that rely on American protection, to face pressure from the United States and may have to accept the increase in Russian power.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Trump has become a "flood beast" for European countries. If he is re-elected to the United States, countries that are still counting on the conflict in Ukraine to weaken Russia, or look to the United States for protection, will have to face pressure to increase military spending, while also possibly accepting the reality of "letting Putin win." Trump's remarks have aroused the vigilance of the leaders of NATO, the European Union, and many American and European countries, who have asked Trump to shut up, not to affect NATO's internal unity, and not to weaken the enthusiasm of Western countries to support Ukraine.
In the midst of this storm, however, France saw an unprecedented opportunity. Trump's remarks shuddered Europe, but for France, which has always been "rebellious", it is a precious opportunity to achieve European defense integration. French Foreign Minister Colonna made it clear that Europe cannot rely on the humor of the United States to operate a military alliance. This is a call from France to remind Europeans to take it seriously and not to allow NATO to become a casual military alliance, let alone a military alliance that relies on the humor of the United States to operate.
France has always been one of the most active advocates of "European defense autonomy". Previously, France's Macron had put forward the "NATO brain death" argument, aiming to sow discord between European countries and the United States and promote the process of European defense autonomy. However, after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, NATO members returned one after another, and France's plan became a joke. But France has been waiting for an opportunity to replace NATO as a leader in Europe's defense autonomy if the decline of the United States makes it impossible for NATO to play an effective role.
If Trump wins the election, it will be a desirable outcome for France. Only with Trump's comeback and stirring up NATO will France be able to stand out in the field of European security and realize its ambition to be the leader of European security. At present, the United States is not yet decided, and the outcome of Trump and Biden is still unknown. However, Trump's rhetoric has sparked politics in the West and is a golden opportunity for France. While ostensibly emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine, the French are at the same time agitating other European countries not to bet all their security bets on a US-led NATO. France's goal is clear: they are trying to convince other European countries that it is time to take a more active stance and move away from France-led European defense integration and move away from security dependence on the United States.
In this political storm, France is like a well-prepared ship, waiting for the right time. They should not only express their stance on the Ukrainian issue, but also remind European countries that they cannot expect too much from NATO. France has taken a firm stance, arguing that Europe must strengthen military cooperation between countries to counter the possible adverse effects of Trump's inauguration. The concept of "European defense autonomy," which France has been advocating, has become particularly urgent at this moment.
Overall, Trump's comeback is unsettling for Europe, but it is a rare opportunity for France. France sees the possibility of moving away from its dependence on NATO and pushing for Europe's defense autonomy. In the midst of this change, France has a clear position and is actively responding to it and striving to play a more important role on the international stage. With the approach of the United States**, it remains to be seen how the future will be performed.