Part 12/13:
Deploying troops involves significant political risks for European leaders. Public opinion, national security policies, and domestic stability are all stakes in this complex decision-making process. The overarching question is whether Europe’s long-standing reliance on U.S. military guarantees can now be supplemented—or replaced—by an assertive collective European force.
The Broader Implication
This evolving scenario models a potential shift in the U.S.-European security dynamic—one that emphasizes shared responsibility and European autonomy in defending their continent. President Trump’s stance underscores this notion: the U.S. will support, but Europe must take the lead in ensuring Ukraine’s security.