Ten thinkers on Europe's future without America's embrace. In this note, FPâs deputy editor in chief, Ravi Agrawal, introduces the the Summer 2024 issue, [out now](. Subscribe to access the full issue. History has finally caught up with Europe. In hindsight, the continentâs long period of relative peace from 1945 to 2022 was an aberration. In any European capital today, the mood seems starkly different than before Russia invaded Ukraine. Suddenly, from Berlin to Brussels, leaders are racing to resuscitate their defense infrastructure and update their militariesâeach dependent for too long on a U.S. security blanket that is no longer guaranteed. Despite the gravity of the moment, Europeâs attempts to put up a united front are like a pail with several leaks: In Belgrade, Bratislava, and Budapest, leaders friendly to the Kremlin have ridden a wave of disinformation and fearmongering to get elected or stay in power. The success of far-right parties in the European Parliament elections in June only added to fears about the continentâs stability. From Europeâs vantage point, the world looks menacing. If Donald Trump wins a second term as president, he may do as he says and pull the United States out of NATO, the worldâs biggest security alliance. Even if Trump doesnât win, Washington seems likely to focus more on Beijing and less on Brussels. Other countries are noticing the fraying of Europeâs old ties and looking to take advantage. When Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on his first European tour since 2019 in May, he visited France, Hungary, and Serbiaâcountries that prize their strategic autonomy or are willing to undermine European Union and NATO priorities. As Europeâs hand weakens, the rest of the world will look to divide and conquer the continent. [UNLOCK THE ISSUE]( With its security precarious and its alliances weakening, what will Europeâs future look like? Thatâs the question we posed to nine influential thinkers in this issueâs cover package, âEurope Alone.â One of our contributors, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, [calls on his neighbors]( to follow Warsawâs lead and match its alliance-leading defense contribution to NATO. Europe âmust spend more so that the worldâs democratic bloc can keep its influence and way of life,â he argues. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt [adds to that warning](: âLike the fall of Saigon and the fall of Kabul, a Russian victory in Ukraine would be seen across the world as an even more significant sign of the United Statesâ waning power. The appetite for adventurism from numerous actors is bound to increase.â In a separate essay, political scientist Hal Brands offers a take from the other side of the Atlantic. Europe has changed so much since World War II that Americans âhave forgotten how hopeless the continent once seemed,â he writes. Brands [describes a few scenarios]( for Europe if the United States retreats across the Atlantic. Theyâre not pretty. âIndeed, if there is a lesson from Europeâs past, it is that the descent can come sooner and be steeper than currently seems possible to imagine,â he writes. We bring the world into sharper focus.
[Subscribe for $60 $20 for global insights.]( On July 9, leaders from around Europe will gather in Washington for a summit to mark the [75th anniversary]( of NATO. It wonât be a celebration of the pastânot while the future is at stake. The essays in this issue will hopefully provide some useful context and analysis for the consequential summer and important elections ahead of us. There is a lot more in the issue, including a selection of our signature arguments from around the world and an exploration of a confounding Portuguese word. Donât miss FP columnist Howard W. Frenchâs take on Wang Fengâs [new book on Chinaâs rise](. French speaks Mandarin, regularly visits and has written books about China, and says heâs astounded by what he learned. Now, itâs even easier for subscribers to enjoy and share our insights. From new article gift links to downloadable PDFs, weâre able to constantly improve the reader experience with the support of our subscribers. [Join other inquisitive minds]( and be a part of the global conversation for just $20 if you're a first-time subscriber. Choose an Annual plan to [get your own copy]( of the Summer 2024 issue. As ever,
Ravi Agrawal [Explore the New Issue]( [Europe Is Not Ready for Trump]( By Nathalie Tocci [Britain Will Recommit to Europe]( By Robin Niblett [What if Russia Wins?]( By Carl Bildt [Europeâs Vulnerable Economy]( By Guntram Wolff [An illustration shows a road sign with a podium symbol becoming a series of arrows pointing in many directions against a red background with clouds gathering.]( [Asia Sees European Confusion]( By Bilahari Kausikan [Europe Is Not Ready for Trump]( By Nathalie Tocci [Britain Will Recommit to Europe]( By Robin Niblett [What if Russia Wins?]( By Carl Bildt [Europeâs Vulnerable Economy]( By Guntram Wolff [Asia Sees European Confusion]( By Bilahari Kausikan [Continue reading âNine thinkers on the continentâs future without Americaâs embraceâ]( [Subscribe to Foreign Policy]( [Sign up for SitRep]( For NATO's historic 75th anniversary summit, FP's national security reporters will be on the ground, providing an inside look at one of the most consequential gatherings of world leaders. Daily editions July 9-11. [GET ON THE LIST]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [VIEW IN BROWSER]( Want to receive FP newsletters? [Manage]( your FP newsletter preferences. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Reach the [right online audience]( with us. [Foreign Policy]( is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2023 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.