Why Trump and Putin's Hunger for Respect Threatens Europe

Understanding the Motivations Behind Aggression

In considering the geopolitical landscape, one must recognize a shared craving for status between two of the world's most provocative leaders: Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. As liberal democracies perceive Putin as a bully and Trump's America as an 'angry drunk with a bazooka', it becomes crucial to question what fuels their ambitions and how this impacts Europe.

Reclaiming Disrespect

There exists a notion among some observers that Putin's invasion of Ukraine stems not merely from imperial ambitions but rather from a profound sense of disrespect—a reaction to how other countries perceive Russia's diminished global status. Once a superpower, today Russia feels marginalized and seeks to reclaim authority. This was a theme highlighted by former President Obama when he characterized Russia as merely a “regional power” during a previous international crisis.

“If you can't be loved, then at least be feared.”

Trump's Disruption of Social Order

Interestingly, Trump's own antagonism towards Europe echoes similar motivations. Like Putin, he wishes to disrupt a world order that dismisses his presidency and worldview. While he may receive approval from autocrats and kings, the disdain from leaders of democratic nations is evident. This disregard drives Trump's desire to dismantle a system that places multilateralism and rule of law at its center.

The Irony of American Soft Power

It is particularly ironic that the very system Trump seeks to demolish was constructed by the United States after the Second World War. With a shared vision, Republicans and Democrats once believed in a democracy and rule of law as ideal frameworks for international relations. America's “soft power” emerged not solely from military might but through cultural influence and the propagation of democratic values.

Europe's Foundation in American Ideals

Post-war Europe, significantly bolstered by American support through initiatives like the Marshall Plan, aimed to promote cooperation and democratic values. The European Union (EU) embodies these ideals, facilitating collaboration among nations, reinforcing the importance of legality and democracy. As such, the EU reflects the values of the liberal order crafted by the US.

The Shift Towards Self-Interest

Today, however, under Trump's leadership, the priority appears to shift towards national self-interest at the cost of collective democratic values. The current national security strategy audaciously boasts a desire to maintain America's unrivaled “soft power” while paradoxically casting aside the mechanisms that helped build it.

“Countries that still hold to liberal values absolutely do not respect Trump's US.”

The Decline of Global Influence

Indeed, the consequence of this jarring transition leaves the Trump administration in the guise of an aggrieved underdog seeking respect—yet it lacks the foundational power to assert such a change effectively. This vacuum of soft power indicates that the current administration is increasingly disregarded by nations that have long cherished liberal values.

The Dangers of Disruption

By actively undermining established alliances and promoting far-right ideologies in Europe, Trump seeks to exploit discontent in newer EU member states to dismantle the cooperative frameworks that have served as barriers against authoritarianism. This destructive path negates decades of collaborative achievements and threatens to revert to a fragmented continent marked by nationalism.

Challenges Ahead

Ultimately, while the Trump administration might attempt scattershot tactics to aid far-right parties within Europe, its current approach is unlikely to yield the desired grassroots transformations. History shows that earlier attempts at 'punishing' foreign leaders have often backfired, as evidenced by the political climate in Brazil.

A Fork in the Road for Europe and the US

To reiterate, the Trump administration's dual desires for respect while simultaneously retrenching globally presents an insurmountable contradiction. By retreating from its leadership role and diminishing its global capacities, the realm of possibility for healthy US-EU relations shrinks, revealing a troubling future for liberal democracy on both sides of the Atlantic.

• Henry Farrell is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University. Sergey Radchenko is Wilson E Schmidt distinguished professor at the Henry A Kissinger Center, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.