Europe Goes Its Own Way

Europe awakens – detailed in an insightful current column in Foreign Affairs magazine.

“For the first time in decades, Europeans recognize the dangers that surround them. They are, accordingly, willing to invest in military resources and serve in their countries’ armed forces. From these shifts a new grand strategy is slowly being forged, which signals a new European geopolitical and strategic trajectory… and Washington had better get ready.”

“After decades of complacency, Europeans have awakened to the reality that they live in a dangerous world…”

Why? As the Telegraph British newspaper headline read on July 5,

“Russia planning attack on Poland to test NATO resolve, US warns”

Citing the report, the Washington Star noted: “Possible scenarios include Russian ballistic-missile and drone strikes on Polish “critical infrastructure, such as power stations, or simulated air strikes that would force Poland to activate its air defence systems.”

No Polish “kinetic response” expected

Any current July 2026 excursion by Russia into would not be a serious effort to open a second front by Russia, whose conventional military resources are currently strained. As the coverage continued, “It is an attempt to exert pressure upon NATO members to suspend their military assistance to Ukraine by demonstrating military capability.”

Warsaw currently is third only behind the United States and Turkey in defense spending. The country continues to build up resources and recently signed a join defense pact with Germany.

Meanwhile, back to the Foreign Affairs report,

America – “a rival or an adversary”

“Majorities in every country surveyed expressed doubt that the United States would come to their defense in the event of an attack, while 25 percent of respondents now see the United States as either a rival or an adversary.” (emphasis added)

The spiritual reminder here? “Stay awake at all times,” Luke 21:36, English Standard Version.

For the full story of how Europe is transforming, read the full Foreign Affairs column at the link below. For context, please review a prior Seeking the Way column.

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/guest-pass/redeem/GHjRuHMDTk4

 

 

 

 

 

Marina Henke, Iren Marinova and Till Knobloch, “Europe Goes Its Own Way.” Foreign Affairs, June 29, 2026. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/europe/europe-goes-its-own-way.