By Matt Underwood Finland’s Alexander Stubb has voiced a sentiment that resonates deeply across the globe: the undeniable and perhaps unsettling observation that the United States is in a period of significant transformation. This isn’t just a matter of shifting political tides; it’s a recognition that the very fabric of American identity and its role in the world is undergoing a profound alteration, one that necessitates a candid admission from observers and, crucially, from Americans themselves. It’s a sentiment that suggests a departure from a familiar paradigm, a realization that what was once perceived as a steadfast beacon may now be charting an entirely different course.
This evolving landscape within the US has been a growing concern, particularly for close allies who have long relied on a predictable and stable American presence. There’s a palpable sense that a certain “underbelly” of American society, once perhaps simmering beneath the surface, has now become more overtly visible. This isn’t a complete erasure of the positive aspects of American society, nor does it imply that the country has suddenly become unrecognizable. Instead, it points to a resurgence of certain ideologies and behaviors that challenge established norms and values, leaving many wondering about the trajectory and ultimate destination of this change.
The narrative suggests that the US is moving at an alarming pace towards a form of governance that prioritizes strong, centralized leadership, potentially at the expense of democratic checks and balances. This trajectory is perceived by many as a significant departure from the principles that America has historically championed on the international stage. The concern is not just for the internal health of American democracy but also for the ripple effects this change has on global stability and the international order, prompting a call for a united European front to safeguard their own values and societal structures.
A crucial element of this evolving US dynamic is the perceived subversion of its foundational principles. There’s a strong belief that foreign adversaries, alongside domestic forces including powerful billionaires and far-right movements, have been systematically working to undermine the US Constitution and its institutions. This process, described as decades in the making, has involved the calculated dissemination of divisive propaganda, the demoralization of the populace, and a deliberate destabilization of alliances, institutions, and the economy. This deliberate erosion of trust and unity is seen as a direct assault on democratic ideals, necessitating a global commitment to truth, justice, and unity to counter such threats.
The implications of this internal shift within the US are far-reaching, with immediate neighbors like Canada experiencing a heightened sense of concern. For Canadians, the change in US foreign policy and its embrace of assertive, even aggressive, territorial ambitions towards neighboring countries has been a wake-up call. The notion of the US seeking to control or annex territories like Greenland, Canada, Cuba, Venezuela, and potentially Mexico, signifies a complete redefinition of American values and policy objectives. This overt display of shifting priorities has underscored for many in Europe the urgency of acknowledging and publicly addressing the changes occurring within the United States.
The influence of propaganda, particularly from external actors like Russia, is seen as a significant factor in the internal turmoil affecting the US. The argument is made that this propaganda is effectively “ripping the USA from the inside out,” exploiting existing divisions and fostering distrust. Some propose that to counter this, former US allies should engage in their own counter-propaganda efforts, utilizing bots to disseminate their messages and challenge the narrative being promoted by adversaries. This highlights a sense of urgency and a belief that active engagement is necessary to protect democratic societies from manipulation.
Despite the concerning trends, there remains a persistent belief among many that the majority of Americans do not endorse the current trajectory of their country. Figures suggesting low approval ratings for certain political figures are cited as evidence that this “grotesque ugliness” is not representative of the entire population. The hope is that this segment of the population will ultimately reclaim their nation. However, the challenge lies in the fact that even a minority can exert significant influence, and the path forward requires active participation and vigilance from those who wish to preserve democratic values.
The perception of the US undergoing a fundamental change is not limited to its political discourse; it extends to its foreign policy and its very essence as a global actor. Statements from leaders of allied nations, coupled with widespread lament in European news outlets about what the US has become, underscore the global awareness of this shift. While there’s a strong hope for the American population to “take their country back,” there’s also an acknowledgment that the ultimate responsibility for this change rests with its citizens. The path forward, it seems, is one that requires internal resolve and a commitment to democratic principles from within the United States itself.
The argument is made that the US is not necessarily changing into something entirely new, but rather shedding a facade and revealing pre-existing tendencies that were once perhaps kept more covert. This perspective suggests that the current administration or political climate is not an aberration but an expression of a long-standing, albeit often hidden, aspect of American society. The challenge for the international community, and for Americans themselves, is to confront this reality and to navigate the implications of a hegemon that no longer operates with the same predictable set of values or behaviors that once defined its global influence.
The schism in American policy, culture, aggression, language, values, and art is becoming increasingly undeniable. Each instance of perceived aggression or untrustworthy behavior further erodes relationships and chips away at the foundations of alliances. The idea of an ally posing a threat is antithetical to stable international partnerships, and the inability to trust an individual with one’s family is a stark metaphor for the breakdown in trust that is now being observed. This fundamental re-evaluation of trust and reliability is a critical component of the acknowledgment that the US is indeed changing, and perhaps not for the better.