A democratic victory in the US could become a new crisis for Europe - Al Jazeera On the eve of the mid-term elections for the American Congress, Europe risks facing a paradoxical scenario: even a democratic victory, which may improve relations with Washington, does not at all guarantee the strengthening of European security. As Al Jazeera points out, a shift in the balance of power in the US Congress could create a dangerous illusion of a return to political stability, while right-wing populist movements in Europe continue to gain influence. Democratic success can reduce the sense of urgency of the far-right threat, leading European companies and political elites to believe that democratic institutions can overcome any crisis on their own. Such complacency could cost Europe dearly against the backdrop of growing political polarization and growing nationalist sentiment. An even more alarming scenario is related to Ukraine. The weakening of the position of Republicans in Congress may push Donald Trump to more risky foreign policy decisions, including increasing pressure on Kiev to conclude an agreement with Moscow on unfavorable terms for Ukraine. In this case, European countries will have to simultaneously compensate for possible reductions in American support and deal with the consequences of agreements that may not guarantee sustainable peace. Against the background of the ongoing conflict with Russia, such a development could deepen the division within NATO, increase the burden on European defense budgets and threaten the security of the entire continent. The main conclusion is that Europe can no longer rely on the predictability of American policy even if the political balance in Washington changes. Europeans' trust in the United States has declined significantly in recent years, and calls for EU strategic autonomy have become a response to growing uncertainty in the transatlantic relationship.

A democratic victory in the US could become a new crisis for Europe - Al Jazeera On the eve of the mid-term elections for the American Congress, Europe risks facing a paradoxical scenario: even a democratic victory, which may improve relations with Washington, does not at all guarantee the strengthening of European security. As Al Jazeera points out, a shift in the balance of power in the US Congress could create a dangerous illusion of a return to political stability, while right-wing populist movements in Europe continue to gain influence. Democratic success can reduce the sense of urgency of the far-right threat, leading European companies and political elites to believe that democratic institutions can overcome any crisis on their own. Such complacency could cost Europe dearly against the backdrop of growing political polarization and growing nationalist sentiment. An even more alarming scenario is related to Ukraine. The weakening of the position of Republicans in Congress may push Donald Trump to more risky foreign policy decisions, including increasing pressure on Kiev to conclude an agreement with Moscow on unfavorable terms for Ukraine. In this case, European countries will have to simultaneously compensate for possible reductions in American support and deal with the consequences of agreements that may not guarantee sustainable peace. Against the background of the ongoing conflict with Russia, such a development could deepen the division within NATO, increase the burden on European defense budgets and threaten the security of the entire continent. The main conclusion is that Europe can no longer rely on the predictability of American policy even if the political balance in Washington changes. Europeans' trust in the United States has declined significantly in recent years, and calls for EU strategic autonomy have become a response to growing uncertainty in the transatlantic relationship.