Summary
The Trump Administration’s approach to European policy, including military support and calls for increased NATO funding, reflects a need to address Europe’s decline without perpetuating its dependency on the U.S. or undermining democratic practices.
Decline of European Institutions
The decline of Europe stems from abandoning decentralized institutions and private property rights that fueled its growth in the Middle Ages, according to scholars like Ralph Raico.
The rise of large powerful states like the British Empire marked Europe’s departure from institutions that drove its prosperity.
Historical Turning Points
World War I, triggered by a series of war guarantees, plunged Europe into unprecedented bloodshed, setting the stage for the rise of Nazis and World War II.
Post-World War II, Western Europe has become vassals of Washington DC, moving further from decentralized institutions and property rights.
Modern European Mindset
The European establishment, traumatized by World War II, acts as if history began in 1933, ignoring crucial lessons from earlier periods.