The U.S. Has Cornered Itself into Isolationism — It’s Time for Europe to Say “Enough”

America is exhausting. That’s right — not “concerning” or “problematic”, but downright exhausting with its indecisiveness, double standards, and the hypocritical mantra: “European security is Europe’s responsibility.” These words no longer sound like a strategic doctrine but rather a refusal to take responsibility. Meanwhile, the same U.S. pressures Europe to impose sanctions on China — without bearing any of the costs, yet demanding full loyalty. But the EU is not a vassal. And the time may come when the answer is just as blunt: “American interests are America’s problem.”

The U.S. Has Lost the Initiative

Instead of leadership — inertia.
Instead of decisions — fear of offending voters.
Instead of a strategy — chaos and an inflation of declarations.
The U.S. increasingly resembles an aging actor who steps on stage, forgets his lines, and instead of performing, starts giving notes to the director.

In the context of the war in Ukraine, America:

• Failed to deliver long-range weapons on time — weapons that could have changed the course of the war in 2022 or 2023;

• Blocked the transfer of ATACMS when they were still decisive;

• Left the question of Ukraine’s NATO membership in limbo to “avoid provocation”;

• Turned support for Ukraine into a partisan tug-of-war between Democrats and Republicans.

And yet it still tries to dictate to Europe what to do and when.

Sanctions on China — But Who Will Pay the Price?

The U.S. wants the EU to become an economic battering ram against China — but without any compensation. France, Germany, and Italy are expected to impose painful restrictions that will hit their automotive giants, industries, and supply chains — while the U.S. continues trading with China, just more quietly.

Europe has every right to ask: Are you, dear Americans, ready to share the burden? Or is this yet another “Washington Plan” — where Europe is the battlefield and the U.S. plays the cashier with a moral stamp?

The Chinese Peace Plan — Chance or Betrayal?

The U.S. dismissed China’s peace initiatives as “unrealistic.” But what has Washington offered instead? Endless war through attrition? (under Biden) Capitulation to Putin? (under Trump) As of now, China holds more leverage over Putin than the U.S. — both economically and technologically.

What if Europe admits: the Chinese plan isn’t perfect, but it’s a realistic starting point for de-escalation? What if Berlin, Paris, and Rome say: “We don’t agree with everything, but we’re opening a dialogue” — and let the U.S. sit this one out?

The EU and China: A Partnership of Unlikely Possibilities

China and the EU do not share political systems — so what? The U.S. has traded with Saudi Arabia for decades without finding a single drop of democracy in their oil fields.

Europe now has a chance to embrace a new geopolitical reality:

• Mutual interests: The EU and China both need markets, technology, and stability.

• Political balance: Instead of bowing to the U.S., play on multiple fronts.

• Moral autonomy: Stop playing by Cold War templates.

America Is Isolating Itself

If the U.S. fails to reclaim a clear leadership role, to offer real strategies, and to share global responsibilities, it will simply be left behind in the geopolitical process.

• Europe and China will begin dialogue without America.

• The Global South already ignores Washington.

• The old mantra “we are the center of the world” no longer works.

And then America will wake up alone, while the rest of the world is already playing a new game — without its rules.