The recent release of a 33-page U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) has significantly altered the perception of the United States as a military ally in Europe. The document characterizes Europe as being in decline, governed by what it describes as weak and corrupt elites. It warns of a potential 'civilisational erasure' in Europe, attributing this to centrist governments' focus on open borders and political correctness.

The NSS promotes 'patriotic' political movements, such as Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), as solutions to the continent's challenges, while also suggesting that certain NATO members may soon become majority non-European. Notably, the report refrains from labeling Russia as a threat, which aligns with a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration.

European diplomats and political figures have expressed shock and concern over the NSS, interpreting it as a departure from the longstanding U.S. commitment to European democracies. Some European leaders have called for greater independence in defense matters, reflecting a growing realization of the need for self-reliance in security.

The NSS has been met with mixed reactions in Europe, with some leaders acknowledging the necessity of taking responsibility for their own security while others criticize the U.S. for attempting to influence European governance. The document has also been welcomed by far-right parties in Europe, who see it as validation of their political agendas.

In contrast, mainstream European leaders have voiced their discontent, asserting that they do not require external intervention to safeguard democracy. The NSS has been interpreted as a reflection of the Trump administration's anxieties about demographic changes in the U.S., projecting these fears onto Europe.

Overall, the NSS indicates a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, with implications for the future of NATO and the European Union, as well as the dynamics of transatlantic relations.