POWER SHIFT IN WEST: HOW EU IS RISING AMID US-EU RIVALRY AND GLOBAL TURMOIL

The geopolitical landscape of the West has been dramatically reshaped by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

- DR. NISHAKANT OJHA

This article provides a comparative analysis of the United States (US) and European Union (EU) in their responses to the crisis, highlighting the EU's evolving strategy to enhance its strength and autonomy. With a focus on NATO's Article 5, economic resilience, defense initiatives, and practical case studies, this paper presents how the EU is repositioning itself as a formidable power capable of countering crises independently.

INTRODUCTION The Russia-Ukraine war, which escalated in 2022, has tested the unity and strategic capabilities of both the US and the EU. While the US has traditionally played a leading role in global security, recent shifts in policy have caused European leaders to rethink their reliance on American military and intelligence support. Meanwhile, the EU has introduced new strategies aimed at strengthening its defense infrastructure, economic resilience, and political unity. This article critically evaluates these shifts, drawing on practical examples of the EU's strategic realignment.

US RESPONSE: STRATEGIC OVERVIEW Historically, the US has acted as Europe's primary security guarantor, especially through its leadership in NATO. Under President Joe Biden, the US has provided substantial military and economic assistance to Ukraine, including weapons, intelligence, and economic sanctions against Russia. However, recent developments such as the suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine have raised concerns among European allies about over-dependence on Washington for security.

With Donald Trump's latest decisions to reduce US commitments to NATO and scale down military aid to Ukraine, the European Union is now facing a critical test of its strategic autonomy.

The implications of these policy shifts include:

1. Reduced Military Support - Trump's decision to scale back military aid to Ukraine places greater pressure on EU nations to compensate for the shortfall in arms and training support.