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https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/09/europe-us-midterm-elections-reaction/
BRUSSELS — Much of Europe breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday, after a weaker than expected showing by Republicans and the absence of major election violence eased concern about turmoil in the transatlantic relationship and the health of American democracy — at least for now.
The results of the first major races since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection are likely to lend some short-term stability to efforts to isolate Russia and support Ukrainian forces, the central concern for European officials and diplomats heading into the midterms. The outcome will also add a sense of continuity to day-to-day diplomacy.
But for a continent still reeling from Trump-era upheavals, the midterm races were a bracing reminder that despite talk of bolstering Europe’s “strategic autonomy,” American politics still very much shape European affairs. With or without a “red wave” this year, Europe knows that it has not seen the end of Trump or Trumpism and must plan accordingly.
“This is not as bad as we thought it would be,” said François Heisbourg, a security expert and longtime adviser to French officials. But the fear of a Trump return in 2024, he said, is “obviously still there.”
Interesting that our allies in Europe fear a return of Trump. NATO is stronger now.The results of the first major races since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection are likely to lend some short-term stability to efforts to isolate Russia and support Ukrainian forces, the central concern for European officials and diplomats heading into the midterms. The outcome will also add a sense of continuity to day-to-day diplomacy.
But for a continent still reeling from Trump-era upheavals, the midterm races were a bracing reminder that despite talk of bolstering Europe’s “strategic autonomy,” American politics still very much shape European affairs. With or without a “red wave” this year, Europe knows that it has not seen the end of Trump or Trumpism and must plan accordingly.
“This is not as bad as we thought it would be,” said François Heisbourg, a security expert and longtime adviser to French officials. But the fear of a Trump return in 2024, he said, is “obviously still there.”
