By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The US has demonstrated a dramatic expansion of power across multiple continents, leveraging military force and political influence in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. This aggressive posturing is viewed as a consequence of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, with leaders from around the world responding with varying degrees of passivity or complicity. While some argue the US is in decline, the author suggests Putin’s miscalculations in Ukraine have inadvertently benefitted Trump, who is now seemingly in a position to shape global politics. Ultimately, the piece argues that Trump poses a greater threat to Europe than Putin, not because of military strength but because of the president’s erratic foreign policy.
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It’s clear, the core idea here is provocative: that Donald Trump, not Vladimir Putin, poses the greater threat to Europe. It’s a statement that, on the surface, might seem counterintuitive, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia’s aggressive posturing. However, the logic behind it stems from a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play.
The argument begins with the premise that Trump and Putin are not adversaries, but rather, operate in a collaborative relationship. Some go as far as to say Trump is Putin’s puppet. This is a crucial point, because it redefines the nature of the threat. If Trump is working, consciously or unconsciously, in concert with Putin, then the danger he presents is not simply the actions he takes directly, but also the weakening of the very institutions that safeguard Europe from Russian aggression.
The evidence points to Trump’s actions as the mechanism to bring about Putin’s vision. Trump’s rhetoric and policies often undermine NATO, the cornerstone of European security. His questioning of America’s commitment to collective defense and his open admiration for strongman leaders send a clear message: the United States, under his leadership, may not be a reliable ally. This, in turn, emboldens Putin, who benefits from a fractured, uncertain Europe.
Moreover, Trump’s actions, from his economic policies to his diplomatic strategies, often seem designed to destabilize the existing world order. This chaos, this disruption of established norms, is precisely the environment in which authoritarian leaders like Putin thrive. It creates opportunities for them to exploit vulnerabilities, to expand their influence, and to rewrite the rules of the game to their advantage. Trump’s “America First” approach, while seemingly focused on domestic interests, actually serves to isolate the United States, leaving a vacuum that Russia is eager to fill.
The impact of Trump’s actions is also evident in the rise of right-wing and nationalist movements across Europe. His rhetoric and policies resonate with these groups, who share his skepticism of international institutions and his disdain for the liberal values that underpin the European Union. By supporting these movements, Trump further weakens the very structures that provide a bulwark against Russian influence.
The consequences of Trump’s actions are wide-ranging. They include the erosion of trust in the United States, the weakening of NATO, the encouragement of anti-democratic forces, and the creation of an environment in which Russia can operate with greater impunity. Trump’s actions have had a destabilizing effect, one that is more enduring and potentially more damaging than any single military action Putin might take.
The counterargument, of course, is that Putin’s actions speak for themselves. His annexation of Crimea, his support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, and his interference in Western elections all demonstrate a clear and present danger to Europe. However, even these actions can be seen, in this framework, as manifestations of a larger strategy, a strategy that is facilitated by Trump’s approach.
The real threat, the argument goes, is not a simple matter of military might or territorial ambitions. It is a more insidious threat, a threat to the very values and institutions that define Europe. It’s a threat that works to undermine the mechanisms that have historically kept Putin’s ambitions at bay. And in that sense, Trump, with his unpredictable behavior, his disregard for alliances, and his admiration for strongmen, is the bigger threat.
This isn’t about ignoring Russia’s aggression. It’s about recognizing that Trump’s actions create a more fertile ground for that aggression to flourish. It’s about understanding that the erosion of democratic norms, the weakening of alliances, and the rise of nationalist sentiment are all part of the same dangerous trend, and that Trump is both a symptom and a significant contributor to that trend.
The issue goes beyond just political personalities; it’s about recognizing the forces at play. Trump’s actions, whether intentional or not, have had the effect of creating division within Europe and weakening its ability to respond to external threats. His actions encourage Putin.
Therefore, the premise that Trump is the greater threat to Europe is not simply a matter of semantics. It is a recognition of the complex and interconnected nature of power in the 21st century. It is a recognition that the most dangerous threats are often the ones that are the hardest to see, the ones that operate not through overt aggression, but through the slow and steady erosion of the very foundations of security and stability.
Finally, it’s about understanding that the threat is not just limited to the actions of a single individual. It’s about recognizing the larger forces that have propelled Trump to power and that continue to sustain his influence. It’s about understanding that the fight for Europe’s future is a fight against more than just Russia; it’s a fight against the forces of division, nationalism, and authoritarianism that threaten to tear Europe apart from within.