Camilla Jessen
U.S. strategy calls for regime change and “civilizational alliance” with far-right European leaders.
A memo published in Washington on May 27 has sparked concern in Europe over a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy under a future Trump administration, according to EUObserver.
Titled “The Need for Civilizational Allies in Europe”, the document was written by Samuel Samson, a senior adviser in the U.S. State Department.
It calls for building a “civilizational alliance” with selected European countries — mainly those led by far-right or nationalist governments — and suggests the U.S. should help reshape parts of Europe’s political landscape.
The memo promotes closer ties with countries like Hungary, described as “Christian nations,” and accuses the EU of weakening democracy through digital censorship, mass migration, and restrictions on religious freedom.
The tone and content resemble nationalist political messaging more than traditional diplomacy.
In Line with J.D. Vance’s Views
The ideas echo remarks made by Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference, where he warned of a decline in Western values in Europe.
But the document goes further, claiming that Europe’s political direction threatens American interests, and openly backing nationalist leaders like Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, Alice Weidel of Germany’s AfD, and George Simion in Romania.
Wilders, a long-time Trump supporter, has endorsed controversial U.S. policies, including support for Israel’s war in Gaza and the proposed “Riviera plan” for the region.
Worries Over Election Interference
The timing of the memo is sensitive, coming before key elections in the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and possibly France. It also references recent elections in Poland and Romania.
Critics fear the memo signals U.S. support for far-right candidates and could encourage political interference in European elections.
The document notably avoids references to democratic values or Enlightenment principles, instead citing thinkers like Aristotle and Aquinas, and emphasizing Christian and British legal traditions.
A Break from 80 Years of U.S. Policy
If the strategy is implemented, it would mark a sharp break from the U.S.’s long-standing support for multilateralism and democratic cooperation in Europe.
Analysts warn it could increase tensions between Washington and the EU, especially among governments that see it as meddling in domestic affairs.
So far, European leaders have not officially responded.
