The Growing Divide: The USA, Europe, and the Politics of Resentment

Freedom of speech in the USA is becoming increasingly difficult—unless, of course, you speak the language of the president. You can insult others freely, but if you speak as, for example, climate activists who highlight that scientists' warnings are becoming reality, you are silenced. Drilling for more oil is prioritized over acknowledging climate change. And when California burns, it must be the Democrats' fault—not the severe droughts of past years.

Now, Europe is painted as a threat—unless it aligns with the American president. Many Christian conservatives see Russia as "Gog" in biblical prophecy but believe the real enemy is Europe. The USA still harbors resentment over American lives lost fighting fascism in Europe. Ironically, many of the same people who despise Europe now embrace Hitler’s ideological policies: anti-LGBTQ, anti-left, racism, and religious supremacy.

This rhetoric mirrors that of Brexit campaigners. Remember how Ann Widdecombe once spoke about the “evil” EU, likening leaving to liberation from slavery? Many leading Brexiteers also oppose LGBTQ rights, are anti-abortion, and see others as enemies in a battle for heaven. It’s as if we are entering a new religious war.

Germany: A Target of American Resentment

Beyond culture wars, resentment toward Germany remains strong. Many believe Germany was never punished enough after World War II. Indeed, the UK emerged from the war financially and politically broken—losing its empire— while the USA suffered losses yet had to become the world’s policeman, defending European, and other's freedom that was a heavy financial burden. Meanwhile, Germany thrived after it received massive post-war support through the Marshall Plan. It became Europe’s economic powerhouse alongside France, while the UK, despite Churchill’s support for European unity, was left on the sidelines. And after the UK joined the EU, PM Thatcher had to speak loudly in order that the position of the UK was considered; still she managed to secure reductions on the EU membership costs.

This long-standing grudge fueled Brexit. Many in Britain viewed the EU as a German-led project to dominate the UK, a sentiment that helped push the referendum toward a narrow "Leave" victory—despite anger among many British citizens, including those who didn't vote.

For many Americans, Germany had cost too many American lives during the World Wars. And instead of gratitude, Germany has often criticized the USA—especially when it invaded Iraq to remove a dictator who used weapons of mass destruction, including gas, to kill millions. Even former German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized the invasion in her recent book, highlighting how Germany still fails to grasp the necessity of removing Saddam Hussein. Many Hussein loyalists survived, and had President George H.W. Bush not halted the First Gulf War, they might have been eliminated so the Second Gulf War was not needed.

Elon Musk recently urged Germans to vote for the far-right. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance warned that the EU is its own worst enemy if Europeans don’t shift further right. He even singled out Greta Thunberg as an example of "extreme left" ideology.

Germany’s upcoming elections will be telling. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining ground. However, large numbers of Germans continue to protest against extremism. The situation remains volatile, especially after recent terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of children. Public anger is mounting, much like in the USA after 9/11 and the deaths of American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many Americans still believe Europe, particularly Germany, did too little to support them in these conflicts.

If Germany once again refuses to elect a far-right government—even after recent attacks—will American resentment grow to the point where the USA allows Russia to march to the gates of Berlin as "punishment" for Germany’s past wars?

Economic Resentment and Power Struggles

It’s not just the USA that resents Germany’s economic strength. Greece, too, remains bitter over the harsh austerity measures imposed by Germany during the financial crisis, while Greece's debt grew because it tried to save its banks during the financial crisis. Unlike Germany after WWII, Greece received no Marshall Plan after the financial crisis, although of course, measures to end corruption could be taken while EU countries may have helped Greece to manage its assets better. Instead, post-war Greece was allowed to remain a dictatorship to suppress left-wing forces that had fought against Nazi occupation, and after the financial crisis banks became richer because Greece was forced to pay back loans.

Now, as Germany’s likely next chancellor criticizes certain countries for not doing enough to reduce their debts, the wounds of past economic crises remain fresh.

The Anti-Left Agenda Across the West

This isn’t just about the extreme right. Even mainstream conservative parties are increasingly hostile to anything they perceive as left-wing and green. Many start to support Trump-era policies, opposing climate action because they fail to see that clean energy equals energy independence. They believe that unemployed people are fraudsters, that civil servants harm the economy, and that regulations stifle growth—ignoring their role in ensuring fairness and education for all.

The "Replacement" Conspiracy and American Foreign Policy

The "Great Replacement" theory—originating in Nazi Germany—has resurfaced in the American right. It claims that liberals and leftists encourage immigration to replace the white population. Yet, at the same time, white Russians kill white Ukrainians in a brutal war. Despite this, the current U.S. administration engages with Russia while sidelining Ukraine—unless Ukraine grants the USA access to its rare minerals. If Russia offers better access, will the USA abandon Ukraine altogether?

President Trump, in his quest for a political legacy, now even claims Ukraine started the war—simply because he wants credit for "ending" it. This is the same man who once suggested invading Canada, Mexico, and even buying Greenland because they are rich in minerals and fossil fuels. History shows that white nations have often turned on each other, and today, many white Americans view white Europeans as adversaries—unless they elect far-right governments. Still, the ancestors of those white Americans were white Europeans.

If Europe does shift right, human rights will erode. Just as the USA rolls back LGBTQ rights, Europe could follow suit, creating a continent where authoritarianism rises again. We hope Europe has learned from its past to remain fair, even when this angers a man in Washington.

Strengthening Europe's Defenses

A key issue fueling U.S.-European tensions is military spending. Americans are frustrated that Europe distrusts them, yet still relies on U.S. defense. A potential solution? The USA, with its vast weapons arsenal, could ramp up production—not for itself, but to sell to European NATO members. This would bolster Europe’s defenses while financially benefiting America, reducing its own costs in protecting the continent. And President Trump wants to sell weapons as he made already a deal with India.

Just as our bodies rely on immune cells to defend against threats, Europe needs stronger defenses urgently while doesn't have the capacity to produce those weapons. Therefore, the EU can buy weapons from the USA so both benefit. NATO should be about mutual support, not distrust—unless the USA fully embraces anti-human rights policies. But when a U.S. president claims Russia is more trustworthy than Europe, the rhetoric begins to sound eerily like Soviet propaganda, and very anti-American. Further, Europe doesn't need its own army when European armies can work together, within the EU and within the NATO.

The UK’s Position in the New Order

President Trump appears to have more patience with the UK, hoping it will align with the USA. However, he has already clashed with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Historically, the UK supported the USA in Afghanistan and Iraq. Would the USA have fared better in Afghanistan if Germany had fully supported the Iraq War, reducing the burden on American troops to be present in two wars?

Many Americans resent "Old Europe" for failing to support them in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan, where ungrateful locals rejected liberation efforts. Many Americans still remember the American lives lost in European wars, while feeling Europe did little to support America’s own battles.

The UK, however, stood by the USA during the world wars and in Afghanistan and Iraq—and it voted for Brexit, thus against the EU. Because of this, it is still given the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, we should hope the UK may be able to convince President Trump that Europe is not the enemy, but an ally, although one that needs to take more responsibilities such as pay its full contributions to NATO as defences are important.

Conclusion

Yes, it is difficult to manage to write the above in a comprehensive way as it seems madness, but it is happening, whether we like it or not.

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Note: A "Thank you" to ChatGTP for its help to transverse my original in a better readable text.