Europe’s Crossroads: A Call for Renewal

Europe stands at a pivotal moment. To safeguard both ourselves and our invaluable Transatlantic Alliance, we need to rethink our policies and reaffirm our shared legacy of Western civilization.

This was the key message delivered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference, where he provided a fresh perspective on contemporary foreign policy. Rather than the usual platitudes, he explored the underlying reasons behind Europe’s challenges and suggested a clear path for how the U.S. and its European allies can reconnect to preserve a vital alliance.

Since its inception during the era of the Iron Curtain, NATO has played a crucial role in ensuring the security of the U.S., Europe, and beyond. It effectively halted the expansion of communism, fostered peace in a war-torn continent, and facilitated European unity.

This alliance has been built on sacrifice. I, along with countless American soldiers, have fought beside NATO partners, from the 82nd Airborne to coalition forces in Iraq during the early Gulf War. After the tragic events of 9/11, our NATO allies stood by us, shedding their blood in the mountains of Afghanistan and the streets of Iraq.

However, Rubio cautioned that while this bond remains, it is fraying as allies adopt policies aimed more at managing decline. Decisions surrounding “green energy,” deindustrialization, and uncontrolled immigration have weakened their capabilities. There’s a pressing need to revitalize the commitments outlined in the alliance agreement between the U.S. and Europe.

The sources of Europe’s decline, however, delve deeper than mere policy—it touches the very essence of Western society. Secretary Rubio is acutely aware of this reality, which is why his message is one every American ought to hear.

This reminder resonates with essential values that leaders in both the U.S. and Europe should uphold. It’s a sacred tradition rooted in the legacy of Western civilization—one that has given us art, justice, monumental architecture, a rich philosophical discourse, and achievements like landing on the moon—all of which now face serious threats.

Amidst the stark realities of global politics, the historical and cultural connections bind nations together. This isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s not about an ineffective international organization or transatlantic trade either.

Many European allies seem to have lost sight of this truth. There’s been a tendency to favor vague moral stances in international matters over national interests and military strength. Rubio’s speech underscored how the Trump administration moved away from the ineffective status quo, adopting a pragmatic approach to foreign policy that actively pursued the nation’s interests.

Under President Trump, this administration pushed for policies that reinforced American sovereignty and our role on the global stage. It was American leadership—not international organizations—that fostered peace in the Middle East, thwarted Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and dismantled a tyrannical regime.

This isn’t a retreat from Europe or the world, nor an abandonment of America’s leadership role. It also counters uninformed ideologies that aim to spread their beliefs at great cost. Rather, it’s about realistically assessing power dynamics and ensuring the safety of both America and Europe in a changing landscape.

Rubio’s address is a significant moment for the U.S.-led world order and serves as a rallying cry for those who advocate for the West to defend our shared civilization—rooted in a beautiful history with a future that demands enduring alliances.

I have faith that many Europeans will respond to this call. During a recent visit to Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Denmark with colleagues from the Senate, we encountered leaders eager to restore hard power, counter the looming threat from Russia, and rejuvenate the essence of the NATO alliance. Many I spoke with recognized the seriousness of the situation after witnessing the shortcomings of the Ukraine conflict.

My hope is that these voices resonate with Secretary Rubio, inspiring a sense of pride in our collective heritage.