Europe, long considered one of the main centers of world politics, is today experiencing a deep geopolitical crisis. The European Union, which once set the rules of international relations and acted as a normative power, has now become an actor that is dragged along by events rather than managing processes. The Ukraine war, in particular, clearly revealed Europe's real power potential and level of strategic independence.
While Europe struggled in the Ukrainian quagmire alongside Russia, the US and China preferred to observe the processes from the sidelines.
The Ukraine crisis demonstrated that Europe is completely dependent on the US in terms of its security architecture. For years, European countries minimized their defense spending, relying on NATO's security guarantees. As a result, the military-industrial complex weakened, and strategic planning took a backseat. When the war began, Europe was unable to make any real decisions without the political, military, and intelligence support of the US.
This situation proved that Europe's “strategic autonomy” concept is practically a myth. Although European leaders have used this term in political rhetoric for years, no real mechanisms were formed. If the US had not provided weapons, Europe could not have supported Ukraine. If the US had not allocated funds, Europe's sanctions policy would not have been effective either.
A similar picture is observed regarding the Iran issue. Although Europe put forward diplomatic initiatives during the nuclear deal period, after the US withdrew from the agreement, Europe was practically left out of the process. European companies left the Iranian market fearing US sanctions. This demonstrated how limited Europe's economic sovereignty is.
The Gaza crisis revealed serious fragmentation within Europe. On one hand, Europe, which speaks of human rights and international law, on the other hand, failed to form a unified stance regarding Israel. The divergence in approaches between the US and Europe further reduced Europe's geopolitical weight. This crisis dealt a serious blow to Europe's status as a normative power.
Africa policy, on the other hand, is another example of Europe's failure. In recent years, France and other European countries have rapidly lost their influence in the Sahel region. Russia, China, and even regional actors are pushing Europe out. Europe no longer has any security, economic, or ideological advantage in Africa.
Turkey also clearly sees the essence of this game. Ankara understands that Europe is weakening and losing its decision-making capability. This is precisely why Turkey pursues a more independent and multifaceted foreign policy. The previous model of dependence in relations with Europe has lost its relevance.
The latest actions of the US further raise questions about Europe's future. Donald Trump's portrayal of NATO as an unnecessary institution and his imposition of financial burdens on alliance members shake Europe's security system. The US's claims regarding Greenland and its political messages directed at Canada indicate that Washington is seeking a new geopolitical design.
In this context, the US's desire to more rigidly unite NATO countries within its sphere of influence is noteworthy. Europe, however, acts as an object, not a subject, in this process. Europe is no longer an actor managing world politics but has become a space where the interests of great powers clash.
So why did Europe reach this situation? The first reason is the lack of long-term strategic thinking. The European Union prioritized economic integration over political and military integration. The second reason was an excessive reliance on the US. The third reason is internal divisions, populism, and a leadership crisis.
Europe also failed to respond in a timely manner to demographic, energy, and technological challenges. Competition with the US and China in the digital economy was lost. Dependence on Russia for energy security was a strategic mistake. The migration crisis, in turn, disrupted Europe's socio-political balance.
Consequently, it appears that Europe, in the classical sense, is “dead.” This death is not physical but geopolitical. No specific state killed Europe. What killed it were wrong strategies, dependencies, and decisions not made in time. Europe's death has been a slow but systematic process.
One question remains open: which region is emerging in Europe's place? It appears that a new Asia-centric order is forming in world politics. China, India, the Middle East, and partly Turkey are trying to fill this void. The global center of power is shifting from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Thus, the answer is clear: no one killed Europe; Europe killed itself. The world abhors a vacuum. Because there are many forces eager to fill voids.
Sevinc MƏHƏRRƏMOVA
