By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Across six surveyed countries, a significant 87 percent of respondents voiced strong support for enhanced European autonomy, driven by concerns over the continent’s susceptibility to external global powers. Spain emerged as a leading advocate, with an overwhelming 96 percent of its citizens backing measures for energy independence, renewable energy transition, and the development of competitive European energy companies. Furthermore, Spain demonstrated exceptional solidarity, with 89 percent of respondents willing to defend a fellow EU member against foreign aggression, reflecting a broader call for developed European defense capabilities, including the creation of an EU army.
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Spain is increasingly charting a course away from the United States, a sentiment echoing across Europe and signaling a significant shift in international relations, particularly in response to the policies and rhetoric associated with Donald Trump’s presidency and its lingering influence. This divergence isn’t a sudden phenomenon but rather a culmination of perceived threats to global stability and democratic values, with Spain emerging as a prominent voice in this European recalibration. The data suggests a clear majority in Spain, with 51 percent of respondents in a March poll identifying Washington as a “threat” to Europe, a stark indicator of the growing unease.
This strong stance from Spain is deeply rooted in its own historical experiences. Having endured decades under fascist dictatorships, particularly the prolonged Franco regime that extended well beyond World War II, the Spanish people possess a visceral understanding of the dangers posed by authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms. This historical memory fuels their current apprehension towards what they perceive as a regressive and destabilizing force emanating from the US, making their position of defiance understandable and deeply felt by many.
Beyond historical context, the current US national security strategy, as interpreted by some, designates the EU and Europe as adversaries, actively seeking to undermine them. This perception, whether entirely accurate or a strong interpretation of perceived actions, fuels the notion that the US is not merely a difficult ally but an existential threat to the European project. This viewpoint positions Spain not as an outlier, but as a vanguard of a more progressive and self-protective European stance, hoping for a future where relations with the US can be rebuilt, perhaps under a leadership like Obama’s, which fostered a sense of partnership and trust.
The sentiment of distance from the current US is not confined to Spain. Other European nations are also reassessing their allegiances and priorities. The UK, for instance, has signaled its unwillingness to participate in US-sponsored blockades, indicating a growing autonomy in foreign policy decisions. This indicates a broader trend where allies are becoming more assertive in protecting their own interests, even if it means diverging from US initiatives. The expectation is that more countries will follow suit, leading to potential escalations and retaliatory measures as major global powers adjust their strategies accordingly.
From an American perspective, this global distancing is seen as a direct consequence of Trump’s actions. The argument is made that he has systematically dismantled decades-old relationships with allies, damaged the global economy, and eroded trust in America’s standing. Therefore, any country intelligently seeking to distance itself from this perceived instability is met with approval. The notion that “MAGA isn’t the US” is a common refrain among those disillusioned by the current political climate, but the reality on the ground is that the hate directed towards America is at an all-time high, with concerns that future generations of Americans might face significant prejudice abroad.
The initiative taken by Spain is a significant step, and it’s a move many wish to see mirrored across Europe. The frustration with leaders perceived as too subservient to US interests is palpable. The comparison to Israel as an “existential threat” further highlights the depth of concern and the magnitude of the perceived danger. This sentiment has even led to a surprising, albeit lighthearted, embrace of Spanish culture, with a surge of interest in tapas and a desire to visit Spain, tempered by an uncertainty about how Americans might be received.
This shift is not just about Donald Trump himself, but about the broader direction of the US. For many observers, America has been an unstable ally since at least the Reagan era, characterized by a corrupt, capitalist, and war-mongering approach. Electing Trump twice is seen not as an isolated incident, but as a reflection of the mindset and values of a significant portion of the US electorate. This has led to a loss of trust in the entire American political system, with many believing that the current administration’s corruption and harmful policies continue unchecked because Washington has failed to rein them in.
The responsibility for this erosion of trust is placed squarely on all Americans. Those who voted for Trump, those who abstained, and those who haven’t actively protested are seen as complicit. The steadfast refusal to confront and remove what is perceived as a “lunatic in charge” is viewed as a collective choice, with the consequence being that the entire nation is held accountable. The belief is that even after Trump leaves office, regaining the status of a sane and rational world power will require immense effort and a fundamental shift in approach.
This sentiment is echoed by Canadians, who are glad to be walking away from an increasingly unreliable US. The hope is that this distancing will happen sooner rather than later, despite the potential short-term difficulties. Cynically, some even see Trump’s impact as beneficial in a strange way, by making countries acutely aware of the dangers of far-right populism and its global manifestations, even within their own borders.
The experience of Australia, which faced bullying and veiled threats for denying Trump support in his war-mongering initiatives, further illustrates the challenging landscape. While there are differing views on the extent of the threat, with some arguing that Israel poses a greater danger, the consensus among those advocating for this shift is clear: the US, particularly under Trump’s influence, has become a destabilizing force. The message from Spain and other nations is a resounding “Fuck yeah Spain!” and a hopeful plea for the rest of Europe to find its collective spine and move away from what is perceived as a rogue state. The feeling is that America, by electing Trump twice, has revealed a troubling aspect of its national character, and the world is now reacting to protect itself.